Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all associated characters belong to J. K. Rowling and are therefore not mine, so please don't sue me!
Author's Note: First of all I have to thank all the people who reviewed my story! You have no idea how happy I was when I checked my e-mail and discovered 14 new reviews in one day for this story! I feel obliged to thank all of you personally so here goes.
Katarina Phillippe-Thank you! You were my first review for this story and I'm flattered that you put me on your alerts!
svfanforlife-Yes, it's going to be a Ron/Hermione story. If you can't tell I'm a bit of a Ron/Hermione fan, mostly because I'm positive that they'll have a 'more then friends' relationship in the books. Thanks for saying I nailed the characters and I'm very flattered that you consider me a good writer!
charmedunderharry'sspell-I figured that Harry wouldn't tell Ron what Dumbledore said about the whole prefect situation because he'd want to be a good friend about it and is sincerely happy for Ron's success. This chapter's a bit longer but as for your other question I haven't decided if Harry will have any serious romance yet. I personally like the idea of him being with Ginny but at the same time I kind of think it's corny. Guess we'll have to wait and see!
Elmindrea-al'Thor-Thanks for the vote of confidence! I've never had someone say my story was cute before but that's probably because I usually don't write about relationship stuff!
Braidless Baka- Thanks for the review!
Foolish Fish-I'm like you, I too can never read enough Ron and Hermione pairings and the Draco/Hermione ones are growing on me. Cool name too!
The Nauti Dolphin-You're the opposite of me! I've always been a Ron/Hermione person but the Draco/Hermione stuff's growing on me! Ron's one of my favourite characters too though. Thanks for the positive feedback!
purplereader-Ah, don't worry it didn't sound that dorky and I too really like Ron/Hermione pairings. (Obviously eh-otherwise why would I write one?) Go figure that Megan's one of your favourite names, I happen to be quite partial to it myself-lol. I have to disagree with you a bit though about Ginny and the Weasley family in general. I don't think they're all 'goody-goody' either but there is a certain sense of them being portrayed in a better light then say the Dursley's or Malfoys. Also, I can see Ginny being concerned about her appearance a little bit when it comes to boys so that's why I put that little bit in. Plus, she's supposed to be 14 so she's getting into make-up and boys a bit more because the hormones are raging-lol.
Positive-Truth14-Yeah, I definitely need to work on my dialogue. I find it's hard for me to write dialogue for male characters especially because I'm a girl but I'm working on it. Thanks for the compliment about the word choice, what can I say-I'm a regular human thesaurus thanks to all the reading I do. (Although I'm far from being a human dictionary because my spelling is horrible!)
Pirate-Lib-Thanks for saying I'm good at capturing the essence of J. K. Rowling's characters! I think I have a better feel for Ron then anyone else (except maybe Harry) because she provides her readers with so much detail.
The Thinker of 56-I am extremely flattered that you think this is 'a good fic for a change' because that's very encouraging. I totally know what you mean with the grammar, it can stand to be improved. I'll agree with you about the swearing too, I meant to change that but forgot. You can always tell when some of my own personality starts creeping into the characters based on the dialogue. I myself swear quite a bit when the occasion presents itself-lol.
Melona-Thank you for your review!
WindWriter17-Thanks for the positive comment about the plot! I was worried about it because I don't want it to be all fluffy and stuff. I'm going to try and introduce some more conflict surrounding not only relationships but Voldemort in later chapters just to give the plot more depth. I know what you mean though about the commas, definitely need to work on that.
Anywho, thanks once again to all those who reviewed! I hope you all enjoy this chapter! I would've posted sooner but I lost my posting privilages for a week because apparently my story "Harry Potter in a Messed Up Little World" broke some guideline or other. They didn't say what I did wrong but just deleted it and took away my posting privilages! Needless to say I have NOT been a happy camper for the past week. But anywho, on with the show!
P.S. If you can't tell by the chapter title the group gets their OWL results. I'm not sure how to write them up so I just took a stab at it but if any of you have a better idea feel free to let me know. I probably won't change it but I might use your suggestions for a future story.
Chapter 3: A Sense of Relief
The summer was a hot one, so the next day afternoon found Ron, Hermione and Harry relaxing in the shade of a large weeping willow in the backyard. Hermione had brought a rather large book outside with her, but Ron noticed it soon lay forgotten by her side as the trio settled into a light-hearted conversation. Ron sensed unease as they talked though, and knew that his two friends felt the same way he did about Voldemort's return; they'd talked about it enough and since there was no new news it was best to talk about other things, there'd be plenty of time to talk about doom and gloom later. He couldn't explain it, but somehow Ron knew that soon Voldemort would be the only thing to talk about, a thought which greatly disturbed him. He shivered involuntairly and glanced at Harry who, despite his smile, seemed depressed. Ron turned his head to look at Hermione and noticed that she was better at hiding her anxiety than Harry, but it was still there, he could see it in her eyes. Every so often she would glance in Harry's direction and bite her lip, clearly worried about her friend. She and Ron exchanged looks and her expression plainly showed her concern. They'd come to an agreement before school had even ended not to mention anything that could possibly set Harry off into a rage, mainly meaning they wouldn't mention Sirius. Ron also had a sneaking suspicion that mentioning Voldemort in even the most off-handed manner would result in an angry outburst.
"We should be getting our OWL results soon," Hermione commented, causing Ron to focus on the conversation again.
"Don't remind me," he groaned.
However, in truth the fact that their OWL results would be arriving any day now was never far from Ron's mind. As more and more days passed, Ron grew increasingly anxious, not that he would admit it. The only subject he wasn't worried about was Defence Against the Dark Arts. Potions, on the other hand, was quite a different matter.
"Don't you want to know how you did?" Hermione asked, clearly surprised at Ron's lack of enthusiasm.
"I can wait," Ron replied simply. "What about you Harry?" he asked, "Are you as eager as Hermione or can you wait like me?"
"I'd kind of like to know how I did, but I'm in a rush," Harry said with a shrug. "Although I am interested to see my potions mark. Was it just me or was it less stressful without Snape breathing down the back of our necks the entire time?"
"Yeah," Ron agreed with a laugh. "Since that greasy git was absent I think I actually managed to complete a potion without a single mistake for once."
"Much as I hate to say something bad about one of our teachers," Hermione began, and Ron snorted to cover his laughter, as did Harry. "I'll admit Snape's presence does create a great deal of extra stress," Hermione finished with a wry smile.
"You know Harry," Ron said, "I think we're a bad influence on her."
Harry laughed, "Just a little bit," he agreed.
"As if I'd let you two influence me," Hermione said as she rolled her eyes, but Ron noticed the beginnings of a smile. "Did you two ever decide what NEWTS you'll be taking next year though?" she asked.
"Did you?" Harry countered.
"Well, sort of," Hermione said slowly.
"What are you going to go into then?" Ron asked. He was curious about what Hermione would do after school. After all, someone of her intelligence could do pretty much anything she wanted.
"I was seriously considering teaching for awhile," Hermione said thoughtfully, "But now I think I might become an Auror."
Both boys stared at her.
"What?" she said irritiably, "You don't think I could handle it?"
"It's not that," Harry said with a sideways glance at Ron.
"We just thought you'd become a libarian or something because you spend most of your time in there anyway," Ron said with a perfectly straight face.
"Oh shut up!" Hermione said, with a laugh. "The only reason I'm usually in the library is because I'm doing homework."
"Sure it is," Ron said.
"For all we know you're meeting Viktor in the library so as not to be seen," Harry said with a devious grin.
Ron glanced sideways at Harry and grinned. He had a hunch that Harry was trying to get Hermione to slip up and make a mistake that would tell them who she liked. What would I do without him? he thought. He was glad he'd finally admitted to Harry that he did like Hermione and he was grateful that Harry was being subtle about it and not screaming it at the top of his lungs the way he'd expected.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "As if," she said, and Ron could've sworn her eyes flickered in his direction for a split second. "Besides the fact that it would be virtually impossible to sneak someone into the castle, Viktor and I are just friends." There was a finality in her tone of voice that clearly said she didn't want to talk about it again.
Harry leaned forward, "Alright then," he said, "If you don't like Viktor, who do you like?"
"None of your business," Hermione said hastily as she turned away blushing. "Besides, I highly doubt that you two will tell me who you like."
"Well I can truthfully say that I don't like anyone at the moment," Harry said. "After the debacle with Cho I'm off dating for the time being."
Ron started to say something then changed his mind and remained silent. He didn't want to say the wrong thing incase she did like him and then got the wrong idea. He could see that she was watching him, looking curious. A little too curious in fact.
"What about you Ron?" she asked. "Do you like someone?"
Ron shrugged, "Maybe I do, maybe I don't," he replied with a slight smile.
Hermione started to say something, but at that precise moment, Ginny came racing out into the backyard, three large envelopes clutched in her hand.
"Your OWL resluts are here!" she called.
"Oh no," Ron groaned, "I was hoping to avoid this for a few more days!"
Hermione had jumped up and was racing to meet Ginny, barely able to contain her excitement.
"I can't wait to see how I did!" she exclaimed as she tore open the envelope and extracted the thick yellowish parchment.
Ginny handed Ron and Harry their envelopes and they opened there's with a great deal less excitement then Hermione.
As Ron unfolded the pages a sense of dread started to fill him. What if he'd failed? What would he do? He swallowed hard and looked at the page.
Dear Ronald Weasley,
We are pleased to inform you that your Ordinary Wizarding Levels (O.W.L.s) have been completed and marked. Below you will find the marks for both your written and practical examinations. Enclosed is the list of courses you may choose from for your sixth year. Please choose carefully as what you select shall determine your future occupation.
Sincerely,
Professor M. McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Ordinary Wizarding Levels for Ronald Weasley
Astronomy
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Care of Magical Creatures
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Charms
Written Examination= E
Practical Examination = O
Defence Against the Dark Arts
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Divination
Written Examination = A
Practical Examination = A
Herbology
Written Examination = E
Practical Examinationm = E
History of Magic
Written Examination = A
Potions
Written Examination = E
Practical Examination = O
Transfiguration
Written Examination = E
Practical Examination = O
Please Note: This exam was interupted and the circumstances have been taken into account.
Ron breathed a sigh of relief. He wished he'd gotten a few more "Outstanding" marks but all in all he'd gotten nine so he was pretty happy.
"How'd you guys do?" he asked as he looked up from his paper.
"See for yourself!" Hermione said happily as she thrust her paper under his nose.
Ordinary Wizarding Levels for Hermione Granger
Ancient Runes
Written Examination = O
Arithmacy
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Astronomy
Written Examination = O Practical Examination = O
Care of Magical Creatures
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Charms
Written Examination= O
Practical Examination = O
Defence Against the Dark Arts
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Herbology
Written Examination = O
Practical Examinationm = O
History of Magic
Written Examination = O
Potions
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Transfiguration
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Please Note: This exam was interupted and the circumstances have been taken into account.
Perfect, of course, Ron thought with a smile. "Great job Hermione," he congratulated her. "What about you Harry?"
Harry looked up with a slight smile, "Not too horrible," he said. He was clearly as relieved as Ron.
"Well let's see then," Ron said as he and Harry exchanged papers.
Ordinary Wizarding Levels for Harry Potter
Astronomy
Written Examination = O Practical Examination = O
Care of Magical Creatures
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Charms
Written Examination= E
Practical Examination = O
Defence Against the Dark Arts
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Divination
Written Examination = E
Practical Examination = A
Herbology
Written Examination = E
Practical Examinationm = E
History of Magic
Written Examination = E
Potions
Written Examination = O
Practical Examination = O
Transfiguration
Written Examination = E
Practical Examination = O
Please Note: This exam was interupted and the circumstances have been taken into account.
"You just beat me by one! Bloody hell, I thought I'd beaten you for once!" Ron exclaimed. "But good job mate!"
"You too," Harry said with a smile as he took back his results.
Hermione was grinning broadly, "I feel so relieved now!" she said.
"As if you had anything to worry about," Ron said with a grin. "I would've been shocked if you hadn't gotten perfect!"
"Oh?" Hermione said with raised eyebrows, "And why's that?"
"Because you always get everything perfect," Harry replied.
"Or better then perfect," added Ron.
"Don't be silly Ron," Hermione said, "That's not possible!"
"What about your Charms exam first year then?" asked Ron.
"Bonus marks," Hermione replied.
"See, better then perfect."
Just then Mrs. Weasley came running out of the house.
"Is it true?" she asked, "Did you get your OWL results?"
The three nodded.
"Oh how'd you do?" Mrs. Weasley asked, as she scooped up Ron's paper to read. "Oh wonderful job Ron! Wonderful job! Nine OWLS! That's how many Charlie got and only two less then Bill!"
Harry and Hermione both looked at Ron, clearly wanting to know why Percy wasn't mentioned. Ron shrugged, he didn't know either, especially since Percy and the family had reconciled the previous month. Perhaps Mrs. Weasley was still upset about it. However, he was all to aware that once again he was being compared to his brothers, something he didn't like at all.
Why does she always have to compare us? he thought, Doesn't she realize that we're different people? Why can't I have a little glory without being compared to them for once in my life?
"And how did you two do?" Mrs. Weasley asked Harry and Hermione. "If you don't mind me asking of course."
Hermione beamed as she handed her paper to Mrs. Weasley.
"Oh my!" exclaimed Mrs. Weasley as she read over the page, "Congraulations Hermione!"
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley!" beamed Hermione.
"And what about you Harry?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Better then I thought," Harry replied as he handed over his paper.
"Well I think we should have a special celebration tonight then!" Mrs. Weasley announced as she handed Harry his paper back.. "I'll go get it started!" She hurried back into the house and soon the sounds of pots, pans and other assorted kitchen noises could be heard.
"As if we didn't eat enough last night," Ron muttered and Harry laughed. It was true though, the previous night there had been piles of Mrs. Weasley's wonderful cooking.
"You're mom's a great cook though," Harry said. "I definitely won't have to worry about going hungry while I'm here!"
"Obviously," Ron said, "My mum loves you guys so she cooks so much more then she would if we didn't have company."
"Your mum really is amazing though Ron," Hermione said. "I'm glad she let us come over and visit again."
"Me too," Ron said, and Harry rolled his eyes as he smirked.
"Oh really?" Harry said with his eyebrows raised, "And why's that Ron?"
"Because you're my friends," Ron said with a look to Harry that clearly said 'don't you dare'.
"Right......" Harry said in a disbelieving voice.
Hermione gave the two a funny look. "Is there something I should know about?" she asked.
"I don't think so," Ron replied carefully as he avoided eye contact.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Uh, yes?" Ron said hopefully.
Hermione frowned, "OK," she said, hands on her hips, "What's going on?"
"Nothing!" Ron replied hastily.
"Well I guess I'll just have to ask Ginny then," Hermione said. She turned to Ginny, who had been surprisingly quiet as she watched the whole thing unfold. "Care to explain what's going on here?"
"I wish I could but I'm probably even more confused then you," replied Ginny.
"Boys," Hermione muttered as she rolled her eyes. "Well, I'm going inside for a little bit to work on some more of my notes."
"But it's summer vacation!" Ron exclaimed.
"And I just got my OWL results," Hermione said. "If I want to maintain that grade level I'm going to have to work even harder!"
She disappeared into the house, leaving the boys staring after her.
"I think I'm going to go do some work too," said Ginny. "I have a huge essay for history of magic that I haven't even started yet and if I don't do it now I never will."
"Girls," mutter Ron, as he watched his sister go inside. "They are so weird sometimes."
"No kidding," Harry agreed.
Yes I know, not a very good chapter but I needed to get the OWL results out of the way and hopefully all of you picked up on some of the foreshadowing that I snuck in here and there. Just some nice fluff (which I'm horrible at writing-lol!) that hints at what might happen. I'm not happy with this chapter at all but c'est la vie. I hate when I start out with something really good and then it just goes downhill the rest of the chapter. It's times like these that I realize I need to sharpen my basic writing skills before I try anything too fancy. (If you can't tell, I'm my own toughest critic.) The next chapter should be better, I'm going to introduce a bit more conflict to add some excitement and suspense to the plot. There's a couple different things I want to mix in to the story to add different layers so that it's a more substantial story so please be patient with me! Thanks again for all the reviews! They really made my day!
-Megan