Ron hid behind the parchment of missions. How could be face Harry?
Harry had told him the day that he asked Hermione out, that if he ever hurt her that he would kill him. And yes, at times Harry scared the shit out of Ron.
"Hey Ron." Harry said as he passed.
"Uh, hi"
Harry poured himself a cup of coffee. "How was Bill's birthday party?"
"I don't remember much because I got real drunk."
Harry took a sip. "Sounds like you.'
Ron faked a laugh. "Did you read the Prophet?"
Harry sighed. "Yeah."
"I can't believe they said that!"
"I know. But I am used to it."
Ron was sweating bullets behind the paper. How can I play this off?
"Anything good today? You seem to be reading it pretty intently."
"Uh…no. Just daydreaming actually." He put the paper down.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah why?"
"Well. You're sweating profusely."
"Oh, I am just really warm. Maybe I am coming down with something."
Harry shrugged and continued to drink his coffee. Harry was pretty mature for his age, he was turning 20 in a few months. He was very popular with the ladies and constantly going out on dates. Hermione and Ron were always joking with him that he would never find anyone to settle down with. Harry always retorted that he was not ready for a relationship. Ron blamed Cho. Hermione blames his busy schedule. Harry doesn't care. The dates were enough for him.
"Are you meeting up with Hermione tonight?"
Shit, that's right…"Um, yeah we are."
"That's cool." He casually took another sip.
"What are you doing tonight?"
"As of now, nothing."
How much more conversation can I take before I slip up? Ron bit his lip. "I-I have to go to my office for a little bit. I will be back soon."
Harry nodded then returned to his coffee.
Ron took a few deep breaths. "What am I going to do?"
A picture of Hermione sat on his desk. He turned it around. "I can't have you looking at me like that after what I did." Another tear fell from his eyes. He quickly wiped it away. Nobody could see him crying. An owl flew in through the door and landed on his desk. I t released a red envelope from its beak. That could mean only one thing…a howler. Ron jumped out of his seat and closed the door. He returned to his desk where he took a deep breath before opening it.
"HOW DARE YOU TREAT ME THIS WAY! LAST NIGHT YOU WERE SO SWEET AND WERE REALLY IN TO ME! NOW YOU ARE JUST BEING RUDE! I DO NOT DESERVE TO BE TREATED IN THIS MANNER! YES, WE HAD SEX. IT WAS YOUR IDEA. I NEVER KNEW YOU HAD A GIRLFRIEND. YOU MUST NOT LIKE HER IF YOU ACT HIS WAY AROUND OTHER WOMEN! YOU DISGUST ME! I HOPE YOU ROT IN HELL FOR BREAKING NOT ONLY YOUR GIRLFRIENDS HEART, BUT MINE AS WELL!"
The letter then disintegrated.
I really hope no one heard that! He looked for the owl who was cowering in the corner. He had knocked Hermione's picture to the floor.
"Oh no!"
Ron scooped up what was left of it. The glass had shattered and Ron cut his finger on one of the pieces of glass. "I am sorry Hermione. I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. It was an accident I swear! If I could take it back I would but I can't. All I can do is say I'm sorry." The cut dripped blood onto the floor. "Damn it!" He put his finger in his mouth. With his other hand he carefully picked up the big pieces of glass. He tapped the frame of his picture with his wand and the glass repaired itself but still, something didn't feel right about it. He placed the picture up on his desk and then tended to his cut.
Harry knocked on the door. "Hey Ron, was that a howler?"
"Uh…yeah." He opened the door enough for him to see.
"Who was it from?"
Ron thought for an excuse. "My mum. She was mad at me for getting so drunk last night and wanted me to take care of myself. You know how my mum can get."
Harry laughed. "Oh yeah, this came for you." He pulled a paper airplane from his pocket. I think it's from Hermione. Since your door was closed it was floating in the hallway looking for an open door."
"Oh thanks mate." He took the letter from him.
"No problem."
Ron opened the note. It was from Hermione. His heart sank, Hermione.
"Well, I see you are busy. I will come back later."
Ron nodded.
Harry walked away and Ron closed the door to his office. He read the note to himself. "Hey honey, just wanted to say hi and remind you that we have a date tonight. I don't want you to forget. Can't wait to see you. Lots you lots, Hermione."
"I love you lots…forever and ever."