The news of Ron being cursed had began to slow down and the students soon stopped discussing it in every conversation they had. Ron, Harry, and Apricot walked up the stairs towards Divination class with their school bags thrown over their shoulders. Harry sensed a difference in Ron, something that he had never seen before. He didn't know if it were for the better because it suddenly became clear that there was a relationship developing between Ron and Apricot. Harry was afraid that this might happen and it would be out of his reach to fix it. Ron and Hermione are like a wizard and a wand, but could never pass the weighting examination and exactly where did Apricot fit? She would be the wrong wand that stupid Ron would pick. He'd probably blow up Hogwarts with one "swish and flick."

Potter didn't know weather to be happy for Ron or sad for Hermione; they are both his best friends. He hadn't seen Ron so relaxed and comfortable before other than when they were joking around about how horrible Quidditch practice was/ However, Hermione sometimes cried in the library, it is her only escape rope.

Divination was the same as usual. Trelawney completely out of his world, well out of this universe and in a black hole. Harry and Ron sat in the same seats they have been since their third year and Apricot sat behind Ron at a table with Neville Longbottom.

"Today we will explore each other's futures and be able to tell each other how we will live," Professor Trelawney shouted excitedly.

"This will be good fun," Ron grinned while Harry smirked.
"Now one student places their hand on the crystal ball and say 'Methine" clearly or you shall not see the future. Now go on and close your eyes."

"I think it's better of I see yours Ron," Harry said.

"Yeah," Ron placed his hand on the glowing glass of fog and shut his eyes, "Methine."

Harry didn't think this was going to work; Divination was never a class Harry took seriously. The clouds of Trelawney's dust became crisper and panicking, he looked around only to find everyone else's wasn't working.

"What do you see Harry?" Ron said jokingly, "Am I holding the Quidditch cup?"

Harry swallowed deeply as he stumbled on his tongue.

"I see…Trelawney is a fraud. There's nothing Ron," Harry mumbled.

Ron opened his eyes and grinned at Harry then turned around to ask what Neville saw in Apricot's future. Harry Potter continued to stare at the ball which held Ron's future only moments ago. He didn't believe what he saw; Harry didn't know what to say. He wished that Trelawney had never made them do this and he was angry at her for even thinking about letting the class do this. Confusion and awkwardness filled Harry's mind as he, Ron, and Apricot walked to the Great Hall for lunch.

"What do you reckon that lesson was for?" Ron asked while looking at Apricot then Harry.
"She's a lousy professor if you ask me," Apricot smiled.

"Yeah a bit."

Harry stared at Ron and Apricot as they smiled at each other. It made Harry sick to his stomach to know that it should be Hermione. Ron's hands didn't belong with Apricot's average hands; they would always weave perfectly with Hermione's tiny palms and short fingers. Hermione deserved Ron more than anyone Harry has ever met; she needed her protection from the world and it was Ron. It was the same with Ron and Harry always thought that she was the one that brought out the real Ron.

Ron and Apricot had shared some kisses when they thought Harry wasn't looking, but the truth was…He saw everything. It scared him as much as it scared everyone that saw them; this wasn't the way it was supposed to be.

Hermione's books and school bag decided not to cooperate with her today. It's happened twice when her books feel out of her bag; they were heavy enough. For the first time she didn't want her books. Hermione hadn't spoken to Ron for more than one minute without Apricot showing up to "claim her property," that's how Lavender put it. It didn't matter though, Ron is miles away from Hermione. She had never lost him before and she wasn't exactly planning it, but what was there to do? Should she let Ron find out that they were meant to be by himself or should she keep sending her affections towards him? With Ron, she could never know what is right or what is wrong; that was their relationship, so unpredictable.

Hermione was never the girl that every boy liked; she always thought Viktor Krum got hit in the head with bludgers way too many times. The first time she ever thought that she, Hermione Granger, was the least but beautiful was when Ron realized she was a girl. That was all it took to make her worry about the way she looked when around boys especially Ron Weasley. He was always so critical about the way girls faces are formed and it was very uncomfortable being in the same room with him as ugly as she was.

Ginny met Hermione around the corner and helped carry her books to their dormitory. Ginny was also aware of Ron and Apricot; it made moments awkward with Hermione. The truth is… Apricot is one of Ginny's best friends too.

"You can go along to the Great Hall. I'm not really hungry," Hermione laid down on her bed.

"Come on Hermione. You can't just keep skipping meals because Apricot will be there," Ginny's hands around on her hips.

"I'm not hungry Ginny!" Hermione had snapped.

"I can't believe you are giving up already! You let her destroy your courage!"

"There was nothing to give up!"

"Do you truly believe that? Honestly Hermione…"

"Yes I do Ginny!"

"He loves you Hermione. He's just like you. Both of you are too bloody afraid to admit your feelings. I've always wished that Harry and I would have a relationship as perfect as yours, but now I don't want anything to do with it," Ginny slammed the door.

"Are you mad?" Hermione whispered to herself.

Hermione always believed Ginny was smarter than her when it came to "romantic" relationships, but she was terribly wrong about her relationship with Ron. There is nothing good about it. Harry and Ginny at least had one and everyone didn't dare to deny it.

The situation overwhelmed her and it was too difficult to hide from everyone. Hermione needed to let her insecurity out; she needed someone to listen to her, but not talk, but whom? She couldn't tell any student and the only people left in the Hogwarts are the professors. Maybe Professor McGonagall? No, she doesn't want to hear about Hermione's feelings for Ron. Headmaster Dumbledore? He only listens when it is about Harry. Professor Sprout? Defiantly not. Of course, Professor Flitwick! Are you insane Hermione? Yes you are.

There was no one; that's how it's been since well, forever. Ginny was always there, but even she wouldn't understand. Hermione was the only person in all of Hogwarts that didn't like Apricot. Everyone seemed so rejuvenated by one person that it all didn't make any sense to her. Hermione snapped her neck around when she heard a knock at the door.

"Come in!"

"I apologize for bothering you Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall appeared into the Prefect dorm and shut the door slowly behind her.

"Not to be rude Professor, but may I ask what you are doing in here?"

"You haven't been at the past meals ever since a couple days ago. I encourage you to have a decent dinner later this evening," McGonagall folded her hands.

"I just don't feel much like eating Professor," Hermione glared at her books.

"This is not what Dobby the House-elf told me."

"I only asked him once Professor."

"Is there a reason Miss Granger?"

"I don't understand…"

"Perhaps you are avoiding Mr. Weasley or Apricot Tumbleweed or maybe both? Is this possibly the reason you only eat breakfast because you wake earlier than the rest and can leave before Mr. Weasley even steps foot in the Great Hall?"

"That's silly Professor. Why on earth would I be bothered by either of them?"

"It's alright if you are. I am not here to threaten you Miss Granger. I am simply here to encourage you to eat a decent meal remember?"

"Are you sure that is why you are here Professor McGonagall? You and Headmaster Dumbledore are the ones that allowed her to attend Hogwarts."

"So it is Miss Tumbleweed?"

"No it's not Professor."

Professor McGonagall opened the door, but paused before leaving.

"Don't stop trying with Mr. Weasley or you will deeply regret it when you find out the truth. Good day Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall left Hermione's dorm to enter an empty classroom waiting for her.

Harry Potter's world was never straight forward or full of obvious answers to problems. There are so many things misunderstood and unnoticeable in his obscure world. He never had the potential to be an ordinary person. Now another conflict was on the verge of growing larger.

Harry walked into the Gryffindor Common Room and spotted Neville Longbottom sitting in a tall arm chair. He sat down on the red couch with thin golden strips.

"Hello Neville," Harry sighed while opening his school bag to retrieve his piles of homework.

"Oh, hi Harry," Neville mumbled, "Where's Ron?"

"He went with Apricot to the library to get some books for Divination homework."

Neville frowned, "Do you think I could use them too?"

"Sure. I don't think they will mind," Harry began writing the solutions of potions he didn't understand.

Harry could hear the rustling of Neville's parchment.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"What…oh yeah I'm fine Harry," Neville's parchment now looked like it had been stepped on by all of Gryffindor.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah Harry."

Harry tried to ignore the tapping of Neville's quill.

"Harry, can I ask you ask you something?"

"Sure Neville," a frustrated Harry answered.

"Is Ron and Apricot…well I mean are they…well no I said that wrong…Does Apricot…"

"Are you asking if they like each other or if Apricot is Ron's girlfriend? I honestly don't know Neville."

"Oh…" Neville's frown deepened, "Sorry Harry. I didn't meant to get you angry."

"Don't worry Neville. I just meant that it is obvious…"

Harry's mumbles didn't satisfy him. There was a long silence and Harry could feel Neville's yearning eyes on him. Harry decided that Neville was trustworthy enough.

"Do you remember when Trelawney wanted us to see each other's futures?"

"Yeah…"

"Well I saw Ron's…"

"But Ron said it didn't work. He…"

"I lied to him."

"Why would…"

"I saw Ron and Hermione," Harry said quickly, "They were at the Ministry in the Department of Commitments and Destines."

"Why were they there Har…"

"Let me finish Neville. Everyone was there; the professors, most of Gryffindor house, and just everyone. I think they were getting married Neville. It didn't look like they were much different than now," Harry then continued his essay, "Don't worry, it's always been Ron and Hermione. Even you could figure that out."

Neville managed to slightly smile before he left the Common Room when Ginny arrived. Harry noticed that she seemed stressed and the tiniest thing would get her annoyed with him. Ginny sat down roughly on Harry's book filled lap and kissed him deeply. Her hands supping his face and her arms tightly around his shoulders and smudged her face into her neck. Harry could feel her warm pain and he questioned if he has caused her harm.

"What are we going to do Harry?" Ginny muffled out.

"About what?"

"I heard you and Neville talking…"

"I hope no one else heard."

"We need to get them back together. I can't stand Hermione's behavior and I'm worried about her."

"So am I, but it's not up to us weather or not they get together."

"I know. It's just horrible," Ginny Weasley laid her head on Harry Potter's chest and cried softly for her best friend and closest brother.

Professor Flitwick stood on the pile of books stacked on his overly large wodden desk. Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in their usual seats during their charms lesson. Charms was always one of the trio's favorite subjects and it was also one of the only subjects that Ron and Hermione paired up in, but now Hermione believed she would end up working with Neville. Ron slouched over his books wile Flitwick continued his explanation of some weird charm that Ron didn't understand. Hermione's hand supported her neck while she naturally began writing what seemed like notes on this odd looking piece of parchment. Ron continuously tried to see what on earth could be so interesting that Hermione just had to take notes on, but then again…It's Hermione he's talking about.

"What are you doing?" Ron whispered while trying to sneak a peek at her parchment.

"Nothing that concerns you Ronald," she snapped nastily.

"Oh get off of it Hermione…" Ron tried to take the parchment.

"Honestly take your own notes Ron."

"Oh come on Hermione, you've let me and Harry see them before. Why can't I see them so I know what Professor Flitwick is talking about."

"I'm not letting you copy them."

"You've let me see them before."

"Well not anymore. You…"

"Then why did you let us see it before?"

"Because you were my friend!"

The classroom's head shifted towards Ron and Hermione, but they didn't seem to notice.

"I'm still your friend Hermione!"

"Oh are you really Ronald?"

"When have we not been friends?"

"For Merlin's sake Ronald Weasley you are so…so frustrating!"

"Oh yeah...Well so are you!"

"Don't even start Ron…"

"Well it's started Hermione!"

"You have no idea what it means to be a friend! You don't know how to be on and you sure aren't a brilliant one!"

"And you do?"

Hermione's rage shot her onto her feet.

"I'm not the one that ditched my best friends for some," she paused, "…some scarlet woman that everyone seems to have fallen in love with!"

"Miss Granger!" Flitwick's voice had finally been heard by Hermione, but she ignored it, "Mr. Thomas, go retrieve Professor McGonagall!"

"I'm still here aren't I?" Ron shouted with anger.

"No you're not! Look at yourself, you're protecting her from me," Hermione turned to face Apricot, "I know you didn't transfer here. You aren't here to get an education. I know the reason you are here."

Harry yelled in pain with his hands snapping at his deep scar. Everyone's head had turned to Harry's body static on the ground. Ron made his way toward the professor as Hermione tried to calm Harry down.

"I have to get him out of here Professor," Ron began to sweat, "Hermione get away from him!"

"Professor McGonagall is on her way Mr. Weasley."

"You don't understand. I have to take him away from everyone," Ron nearly killed Hermione when he shoved her out of the way to throw Harry's arm over his shoulder.

"I'm coming with you Ron. He's my…"

"You can't. You have to stay here," Ron held Harry and started power walking towards the door, "Hermione please don't come!"

Hermione followed Ron as she slammed the classroom door shut, "Slow down!"

"Hermione I'm begging you to go back!" Ron had nearly dropped Harry.

"Where are we going?"

In a split second, Harry jolted and pointed his wand at Hermione's head. Hermione gulped as she stepped back. Ron threw himself back into the air.

"Your next Mudblood," Harry's arm shook as if it weren't sure weather or not he wanted to hex Hermione.

"Harry!" Ron whined.

"Shut up Weasley!"

Hermione shook with fear and stared at Ron begging for rescue that he had never seen before. Ron couldn't save Hermione, not from what was about to come.

"Crucio!"

Ron had nearly killed himself as he watched Hermione drop to the ground and scream with pain. She grabbed her body and she felt as if her gut was going to explode. There was no possibility to live through this.

"No Harry!" Ron grabbed Harry's robes and turned him around.

Ron sent his strongest fist at his best friend and then threw him against the wall with such force that the walls had almost cracked.

Ron then punched Harry again, "No Harry!"

Harry was knocked out completely by Ron's hidden strength. Ron crawled over to the shivering Hermione that was in a shape of a ball on the ground. He wrapped his arm around her stomach and gently pulled her onto his lap.

"Why didn't you listen to me Hermione?" Ron nudged at her neck with his face.

"Why didn't you tell anyone?" Hermione whispered so quietly that Ron barely heard anything but a sigh.

"I had to protect Harry. I couldn't let everyone get afraid of him."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I couldn't…"

"I can't believe that you've been hit by this curse more than I have and you've survived."

"You'll get better Hermio…"

"So she's figured it out," Apricot stood only a few feet away from Ron and Hermione, "She's a brilliant one isn't she?"

"Apricot?" Ron looked up.

"I fooled everyone but you Granger. Ron always told me that you were the one to figure out all the mysteries, but how did you for this one I'm not sure. You've ruined Voldemort's plan to get Harry Potter so now this is the last resort."

"What? You've been working with Voldemort?"

"Ron no one could ever be attracted to you not to kill your spirit or anything."

"No! You lie! You aren't Apricot!"

"You should have listened to her you know," she took out what looked like a book, "Let's get this over with shall we?"

"What are you doing?" Hermione held tighter onto Ron's robes.

"Doing the original plan of course. I hope you didn't think he was just going to give up did you?"

Apricot walked over to Ron and Hermione.
"Get away from us!"

"She dies if you don't get up!" Apricot's wand pointed at Hermione.

"No…Ron…" Hermione refused to let go of Ron.

"Hermione let go," he pulled away from her.

"Ron, no…"

"Come on Ron," Apricot pushed his hand onto the book, "Don't fight it."

"Ron!" Hermione screamed trying to move to grab Ron.

In a split second, it was all over. The shadows disappeared, every beat of her heart, every second she breathed, every moment she gave into her books had destroyed her, and it was all it took to kill her. Ron's faith was in her.

A/N: This is the worst chapter I have ever written; I am sooo sorry for the lack of good chapters. It was really the same as the last one…I just couldn't write a whole chapter of Ron and Apricot…it was just too depressing for me. I wanted Ron and Hermione and to tell you the absolute truth…I want to start my new idea for a Ron and Hermione fanfic! Yes I will have a new one after this one! So don't stop liking my writing :P The story is coming to a close since I can't really find a good reason to keep delaying the end of the story and it's almost as if there is no plot, but there is…So I figure I need to get on with it before people stop reading! Thank you to everyone for the reviews!

piratingspiderelf- Thank you for your comment on how great the chapter was…that really made me happy considering I thought it was dreadful.

myra3- I know you didn't review for chapter 10, but you are a new reader so I would like to thank you and also…You'll find all that out in the end.

Miss Mione- There has to be a conflict right?

AmyChris- Wow thank you so much for your review…You always have the most interesting ones! Apricot yes I hate her too that's why this chapter is a bit boring cuz it happened twice in a row…but like I said it will all be good in the end…

Immy- You are entirely welcome! I'm right now debating weather or not to kill her off…

Bhekie- You guys are so violent!!!

Sweet Stephy- I WILL NEVER EVER DROP THIS STORY! This is probably the most interesting stories I have ever written. Please reviews do not stop reading my fan fic because it will finish, that is the one thing I promise to do!

cara- Again with the 'brilliant'…lol…Thanks mucho

KT- I am a strong supporter of Ron and Hermione, what do you think I will do?

Tokoyami- OMG am I really making it sound as if they aren't going to be together?

never-again8642- Thanks for your review!