***** Disclaimer: See chapter six!!!!
Hermione's blood boiled—that jerk! He'd stoop to any level to get at her, how could he, how DARE he go this far?? Of all things to use to hurt her…and why now, in the middle of vacation? Was she such a threat to him that he had to constantly haunt her with his retorts and drawling insults? So what, she'd gotten better grades than him last year, but this? She screamed, fiercely drowning out the tiny voice in the back of her mind that dared believe the letter. Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she thundered up the stairs and went to bed.
Ron stared in shock. He hadn't seen her like that since their previous end of term fight…and he'd certainly never witnessed such a violent reaction from a letter. He cringed as Ginny's door slammed, shaking the house down to its foundation. Slowly he strode over to the kitchen and picked up the abandoned parchment. His eyes opened wide and suddenly, he understood her fury.
My father is head of the censorship board for the Daily Prophet. I thought you'd like to see tomorrow's headlines ahead of time. Looks like he's finally coming to his senses, eh? Took longer than I thought it would, though…you must be a decent shag after all, mudblood!
Draco Malfoy
Pasted underneath was the headline to the following day's edition of the Daily Prophet.
*****
"I can't believe it!"
"Oh dear…"
"And an American, no less!" Mrs. Weasley tutted. "Oh, no offense to you dear, you're quite the exception, of course…" she added, patting Kalea on the head and bustling back into the kitchen.
"Well, I must be heading off to work. I'll see you all later tonight." Mr. Weasley pushed back from the table and headed to the study [a cluttered desk in the corner] for his briefcase. He waved one more time and Disapparated, leaving Fred, George, Harry, Ron, Kalea and Ginny alone at the breakfast table.
"That bastard!" Ginny sighed, angrily throwing that morning's edition of the Daily Prophet back on the table.
"Who's a bastard?" Hermione questioned, coming down the steps and into the dining room. She'd woken up late and, when she saw the time, threw her hair into a messy bun, grabbed a robe and dashed downstairs. Praying she didn't have bad morning breath, she plopped into the empty space between Ron and Ginny and began buttering some toast.
"Uh… no one…" Ginny replied, unsure of what to say.
"Gin, you're a really bad liar, you know that?" Hermione rolled her eyes and snatched the paper from her friend's hands. Taking a sip of tea, she scanned the page until her eyes landed on a short article under an ad for gnome repellant. Heart pounding, she began to read.
"Bulgarian Seeker Undressed
A Desperate Affair Uncovered
By C.E. HasteyBulgarian Seeker and International Celebrity Viktor Krum was caught in a compromising position the other night with American model Caprice Bourret. The youngest professional seeker in history was seen leaving the Varenick Bar and Club, allegedly to get a good night's sleep before the next day's match against the Italian Almondegas. An avid fan followed him and alerted Bulgarian reporters when Krum deviated from the road home and turned into the Sakovyar Hotel. Members of the press arrived just in time to catch Krum red-faced and white-bummed with the blonde superstar. Upon discovery, the seeker fled the scene, leaving a scantily clad Bourret to face the media alone. Both parties decline to comment."
She paused, quiet—no one moved, unsure of her reaction. Suddenly, to everyone's surprise, the silence was broken by a snicker, followed by a hearty laugh.
"Oh, is that the best he can do?!? That prat, stooping as low as that—like I would really believe my boyfriend, MY devoted boyfriend, would cheat on me… I know I'm not the hottest thing this side of Britain, but honestly, he has a little more depth than that. The article sounds like something out of a petty tabloid column, for Merlin's sake." Seeing their confused looks, she continued, trying not to smile any more, "You don't actually believe it, do you?"
"Well…Malfoy is a prat, but…" Harry began.
"But…Hermione, this is the Daily Prophet we're talking about, not the Quibbler! Their sources and stories are checked and rechecked—everything is very trustworthy!"
"Ginny, are you telling me my boyfriend would cheat on me?" Hermione asked in reply, frustrated at how right her friend was. But there was no way—it was just a tabloid article that Malfoy managed to stick into the Prophet, that's all, she reasoned. If that's all, then why do I still wonder? There's only one real way to find out if this is rumor or not—I'll go to Bulgaria and see him for myself. He wouldn't lie to my face…then I can come back and get this whole thing sorted out. That effing Malfoy…
"Look, tomorrow or the next day, I'll visit him and find out for myself if the article is true or not, alright?" She said, interrupting Ginny's flustered apology. "In the mean time, let's DO something!"
Subject closed, Ron broke the awkward silence by suggesting they have a Quidditch match out back. "Me, Harry and Hermione against you, George and Gin, alright? That is, if you think you can handle it…" Ron smirked at his older brother.
"Oh, a little cocky are we?" Fred grinned, standing from the table. "How about this—I'll take Hermione and give you George…and bet you a galleon on top of that that we'll STILL win!"
"But GRED, I can't play without you!!" George cried, throwing himself into his brother's arms.
"I know, Forge…it'll be hard, but we can do it! Be strong, brother, be strong…" the twins embraced, *sobbing* dramatically. Hermione's question ["What do you mean you'll STILL win? What are you implying?!?"] went quite unnoticed over all the fuss the twins were making. After a short, heart warming rendition of "Friends are friends forever", the twins looked grimly at each other.
"You're going down, sonny." George grinned. Fred clapped him on the back and, smiling, replied, "Meet you out back in 15, loser!" Then he disappeared up the stairs. Following suit, everyone else got up and headed their different directions to prepare for the challenge laid before them.
Kalea stood and began collecting the dirty dishes from the table. Since she didn't really know how to play Quidditch, there wasn't much she could do until the game started. Then, of course, she would watch and learn… Going in the kitchen, she bumped into Mrs. Weasley.
"Oh honey, you don't have to do that, I'll get it…" the mother smiled as she took the dishes from the young girl's hands. "You just go right out there and relax, alright?"
"No, that's ok…I'd actually like to do the dishes, if you don't mind." Kalea rolled up her robe sleeves and turned on the hot water, unaware of Mrs. Weasley's estranged expression.
"Well…alright…if you say so, dear. I'll go tidy up the sitting room, then…" Casting the blonde one last curious glance, she left the kitchen. Kalea smiled to herself—she didn't know why, but washing dishes always seemed to sooth her. The blast of steaming hot water, the clatter of the plates… and since most people don't enjoy housework, washing dishes was one of the few opportunities Kalea had to think by herself.
Merlin, poor Hermione…What a bastard! Not like she wasn't looking around either, but still…looking and doing are two very different things…she sighed as she passed a dish to the towels, charmed to dry and put things away. Then again, maybe it's not true…but like Ginny said, the Daily Prophet is sure to know the difference between rumor and fact—and the editor certainly wouldn't let an article like THAT just 'slip by' her… If Hermione has any sense, she'll leave him… but then again, just what if it isn't true? What if it's just a media exploitation of an innocent celebrity and some random supermodel? That kind of thing happens in Muggle news all the time… Passing another pan to the towels, she glanced out the window to see Mr. Weasley in the garden, playing with a gnome. Giggling, she continued watching as he hid behind a bush and jumped out, terrifying the potato-like creature. Then she caught a glint in the glass and saw her reflection. Good Lord, I look like THAT?? She stood in front of the sink, eyeing herself critically. Sure, she'd been too hungry to shower before eating, but honestly… At least she'd had sense enough to throw her old blue robe over her purple satin pajamas; even if she let it hang open (which she did), at least it was SOMETHING. And her hair—Suddenly a pair of warm hands slithered around her waist and rested on her stomach, causing her to drop the pot she was washing.
"Scare you?" A deep voice whispered in her ear, sending chills down her spine. Smiling, she turned around and faced her lover.
"Never… You clomp around so loudly, you couldn't startle the jumpiest person in England." Wrapping her arms around his neck, she reached up and kissed him soundly.
"So why'd you drop the pot? Couldn't take the heat?" Fred grinned, turning the faucet off behind her and pointing the towels to their rack.
"Oh you know I can take heat…" she smiled devilishly, evil glinting in her eyes. Snaking his hands inside her robe, he pulled her close and kissed her…gently at first, then harder as she raked her fingers through his short red hair, tongues dueling with delight. Flushed, Kalea pulled back. "How's that for heat?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Voice husky with desire, he replied, "Not bad…" and began roughly kissing her neck, sending new waves of deliciously electric shivers through her body. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes, feeling nothing but the kisses on her neck and his warm hands, caressing her back. Merlin, he knows what he's doing… Gasping, she opened her eyes and was shocked to see Ginny standing in the doorway, watching them, an amused and slightly sickened look on her face.
"Fred…stop….Fred…" she whispered, trying to pull away from his hungry lips.
"Mmm..?" he growled, not looking up. She smelled so good, tasted so sweet…
"FRED!" she pushed him away and nodded towards the door. Following her gaze, he paled as he saw his little sister leaning against the doorframe.
"Ginny…uhm…" He gulped… "How long have you been there?"
"Let's just say long enough to be scarred for life…" She replied, trying not to laugh.
"I thought you were getting ready for the game…?" Kalea asked as she stepped around Fred.
"I am ready… so is everyone else, we're all waiting out back for our captain to get there so we can play… and what are you doing? You're in here, snogging one of my friends senseless. Not like she had much sense to begin with, falling in love with the likes of you…" Ginny snickered, satisfied at their sheepish expressions. Really, to be snogging like that in the kitchen in broad daylight! Tsk… Fred should know better than that, after the millions of times he'd complained about walking in on Bill or Charlie with their girls…
"Let's go, then?" The American girl asked, breaking the awkward silence. She grabbed her friends arm and, casting a sidelong "we'll finish this later" glance at Fred, headed out the kitchen.
"Sure…but you might want to take care of those hickies first …" Ginny laughed and continued outside, leaving Kalea blushing violently in front of the mirror.
*******
"Time for Tea!!" Mrs. Weasley called out the backdoor, five hours later. Ginny took advantage of the distraction and gripped her broom tight, speeding down the pitch. Swerving around her youngest older brother, she balanced herself with one hand and threw the Quaffle through the highest goal hoop. Turning just in time to see another perfect score, Harry cursed and called time.
"Ron, why aren't you paying attention?? That's the fifth time today—she's your little sister for Merlin's sake, you should be able to handle her!!" Harry said, frustrated with his best mate. Ron didn't answer but continued to stare off into space.
She looked so beautiful, he thought as he watched her. Her smile—she'd even freckled just a touch in the sun that day. Her petite frame was perfect—clad only in surf shorts and a bikini top, her gentle curves intrigued him. He tried to pay attention to the game, but found his eyes constantly drawn to her. Harry was saying something to him—but he didn't care. He was mesmerized.
Suddenly he looked over and reality came crashing in on him. Before he had time to react, a bludger slammed into his stomach and he fell off his broom, completely winded. Shapes and colors swirled around him as he shook himself and tried to stand. No, no good—he fell over again, flat on his back.
"RON!!!" Hermione tore off her broom and rushed to him. "Ron, are you ok? I am SO, SO sorry!! I didn't think I'd actually hit you, Ron, I'm sorry, are you alright???" she cried, kneeling beside him, Ginny and Kalea with her.
The world swam around him, voices echoing through to him as though he were underwater. Strangely familiar faces floated above him... a crowd surrounding his body… Then, he saw her, face glowing like an angel. She looked afraid—why afraid?? Don't be afraid, love…I'll protect you, he thought. No, HE'LL protect her…she doesn't need me, she has someone else… but he doesn't appreciate her, he doesn't love her the way I do.. if only.. if only I could… An ice cold splash smacked his face—shaking from the shock, the world around him came quickly into focus again and he found himself lying on the ground, body aching from his fall.
"Uuughh…" Ron mumbled, coming to. Catching his breath, he was surprised to find Hermione nearly falling apart beside him.
"RON!! You're alright!!" Hermione cried, relief watching over her. She'd been sure she'd killed him—she could see the headlines now, "[brilliant] Teen witch kills secret love…" or "Sudden death of hot young Quidditch keeper; foul play suspected"…
"'Course he's alright, Hermione, all you did was knock him off his broom…" Ginny said, trying to hide her smile. Obviously Hermione hadn't played many sports growing up…
"Yeah, he's fine… you just destroyed his innards and slammed him into the ground, that's all… he'll be alright, I'm sure…" George snorted.
"I said, TEA TIME!! And Ron, get up off the ground, you'll get dirty!" Mrs. Weasley yelled out the back door again, unconcerned at her son's apparent unconscious-ness.
"Right-o, come on chaps, it's tea time. Perhaps afterwards we will play a delightful game of croquet… come sir, lead the way…" Fred said in an old English accent, bowing exaggeratedly to his brother.
"Indeed, indeed, time for tea and biscuits…" George replied, bowing right back. The two linked arms and, with the air of 18th century English aristocrats, made their way inside. Laughing, Kalea and Ginny followed, pulling Harry alongside—leaving Hermione and Ron alone.
"Can you get up?" she asked as the others reached the house.
"Urhm… I… I think…" He replied, trying not to smile. She could be such a girl sometimes, but it was awfully cute... Hermione slid her arms around him and gently helped him up. A light breeze fluttered around them and the sky grew dark as rain clouds blew in.
"Are you ok?" Hermione looked up at him and placed his arm around her shoulder for support. "I'm so sorry, Ron…I honestly didn't think I'd hit you…"
"YOU fired that bludger at me??" He turned to her, eyes wide. "You've got some arm there, 'Mione—you should be on the team!!" Excited, he broke free from her and spun around. "You've gotta try out this year, why haven't you ever played before??" He grinned…then paused as her eyes narrowed.
"RONALD WEASELY, are you hurt or not?!?" she shrieked, indignant. Immediately realization struck him; he limped over to her and, moaning in pain, put his arm around her again. Furious, she spun out of his reach, causing him to fall over again.
"You were just FAKING??? WHY were you FAKING?" she questioned, heart pounding… he didn't know about her secret crush, did he?? He couldn't know, she hadn't told anyone…she turned pale at the thought. No, he didn't know, of course not… he was just being stupid again… she tapped her foot, waiting for an answer.
"Well it really did hurt…" He responded, breathing heavily as he pulled himself to his feet again. "And you were so worried, I didn't want you to be disappointed…" he grinned sheepishly and approached her. "I'm sorry, 'Mione…"
"You prat! I felt terrible, thought I'd killed you or something!! Don't you EVER do that to me again, Ronald!!" she turned on her heel and began walking to the house, fuming.
"Hermione, wait—I really am sorry…you were just all cute and worried, I didn't want to disappoint you…" he called. Catching up to her, he continued, "Besides, you really do have a good arm. I meant what I said about trying out as beater this year…"
"Oh don't be ridiculous, Ron…there's no strategy in being beater, it's all brute force. I might have knocked you off your broom, but that's not saying much—you weren't even paying attention. Besides, it's NEWT year and we have much more important things to do than play Quidditch. You should consider not being on the team this year—focus on studying instead!" He pulled the door open for her and followed her inside, stomach growling.
"So what took you two so long out there?" Harry questioned, amused, as the two approached. Hermione's face was flushed and Ron grinned, rolling his eyes.
"Were you really hurt that badly??" Kalea asked innocently, Ginny at her side, trying not to laugh.
"No, the prat was FAKING… now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to freshen up!" Hermione, still irritated, glared at him and stomped upstairs.
"Faking, eh? That's our boy…" Fred laughed, elbowing his little brother.
"Awww, does Ickle Ronnikins have a CRUSH?" George teased, pinching Ron's cheeks.
"Oh Hermione, I'm hurt, I'm hurt!" Fred fell over in mock pain.
"Oh Ronnikins, I'll save you!" his twin replied in a high voice, before jumping onto Fred. "Oh Ronny, I LOVE you SOO much!"
"Oh Hermione!!" The two began making exaggerated kissy sounds from under the table.
"Alright, alright you two, come off it…" Ron replied, ears red. "I don't like Hermione, so you two can just shut up..."
"Oooh, a little touchy about this are we?" They replied, sitting back down at the table, laughing. Little did anyone know, a certain brunette stood in the shadows of the stair way, hearing everything they said. Quietly, she turned and went back upstairs, heart in her throat.
*****
A/N: Aaaaand there you have it, the FINAL rewrite of this stupid chapter!! Haha I'm so so sorry to have put you through all the other ones… but they just weren't right!! I'll try to have the next chapter written and posted sometime this week so I can start making up for how long it's been taking me to update!! Then again, no one's read the story in forever, so it's not like you've even noticed… *sniff* *sob* haha jk. =) REVIEW!!!!