A/N- Please Please Review! I thrive on it!


Chapter 6- Disturbing Behavior

The following night at dinner, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were eating in the great hall. They were eating quickly, because they all had a lot of homework to do for Professor Weil's class. Well, At least Harry and Ron had. Harry was sure that Hermione and Ginny probably almost had their's done already. Harry peered at Ron who was talking with Hermione. At least they were still getting along. Harry thought for sure that the at breakfast the other day things would have started up again between the two of them. But they seemed be fine with each other. Harry smiled at Ginny. They were both glad that Ron and Hermione weren't fighting again. Harry peered at Ginny and a smile crept on his face, and he couldn't help but think about his thoughts that he had a couple nights ago. He wanted to know if Ginny felt the same way, but he had no idea how and what he would say to her. He really had no idea how to talk to her, without coming off like an idiot. What would he even say to her? "Er, Ginny I rather fancy you. Do you feel the same about me?" No, Harry thought. That would sound incredibly stupid. Harry's thoughts trailed off when he heard a familiar voice at his side.

"Hello Harry," Benjamin Malfoy said cheerfully as he sat down next to him.

"Oh- er- hi Ben," Harry blurted. Harry didn't know what to say to Ben. Yeah, he sure seemed to be different from Malfoy, and he wanted to be in Gryffindor, but Harry still had a hard time trusting him. After all he was related to Malfoy. It seemed as if Ron felt the same as Harry, because Ron was looking at him suspiciously. But Ginny and Hermione appeared to be smiling at him.

"Hello Benjamin," Hermione said with a grin.

"Hey Ben," Ginny waved.

"Oh, Hey, Hermione, and Ginny," Benjamin smiled as he swallowed some pumpkin juice. "Boy, I swear, I can't think about my Defense Against the Dark Arts homework anymore. I've been doing it for the past two hours. I almost forgot to eat!" admitted Ben with a chuckle as he put a piece of chicken in his mouth.

Hermione then turned to Ben. "Well remember Benjamin that I told you I would be glad to help you out with your homework."

Ron looked up. "When did you say that?" he shouted quite loudly looking annoyed

But Hermione rolled her eyes at Ron, and looked at Benjamin. "As a matter of fact, we are heading back to the common room shortly. I finished my homework this morning, so I can help you when we get back."

"That would be great. Thanks Hermione," Benjamin said peering at her.

Ron shook is head, and made a sound of disgust. Hermione elbowed him lightly in the arm. Obviously Ron didn't like the idea of Hermione tutoring Benjamin very much. Ron didn't trust Ben for the same reasons Harry didn't trust him, but was it Harry or did Ron seem to be upset for a reason more than that?'

Just then Professor McGonagall banged on her goblet. The whole hall immediately grew quiet.

"Attention, please! Dumbledoore has some special announcements he would like to make," McGonagall's voice rang out through the great hall.

Dumbledoore than rose up from his chair. "I have some exciting announcements I would like to share with you all. First I would like to inform you that we are going to be having a special section of Magical Care of Creatures Class taught this year at Hogwarts. While Professor Hagrid is still teaching the class, he will have a very special young man here to assisting him in teaching this special section. This young man is specialized in this in this subject. And we are very pleased that Mr. Charlie Weasley will be joining us here at Hogwarts next week!" Dumbledoore informed everyone with a smile on his face.

Ron's mouth was hanging open, as was Ginny's. He was shocked just as much as they were.

"Ron, how come you didn't tell us that your brother was coming to teach at Hogwarts!" Harry demanded.

"Because- er- I didn't know!" Ron said excitedly

Dumbledoore then cleared his throat. They had forgotten about the other announcement.

"I have one more announcement to make, We are doing something a little different this year, which I think most of you will be extremely pleased about. Hogwarts will be holding it's first annual Halloween Ball," Dumbledoore uttered.

Everyone in the hall was chattering with excitement. Ron and Harry looked at each other. Harry knew exactly what Ron was thinking. They both hoped that this ball would go extremely better than it had two years previous during their fourth year. Both Harry and Ron had gone with two girls they had barely known, and Hermione and Ron ending up having a horrible argument, because she had gone with Viktor Krum. Harry had a feeling though that this Ball would be different. He looked over at Ginny and smiled to himself, and decided that this was the perfect opportunity to find out how she feels about him. It made it easier, and he wouldn't be mumbling and trying to think of how to talk about their feelings for one another. Now that they have the ball, he can ask her, and it can sort of go from there. Well, now the only problem was he had to somehow find the courage to ask her to the ball. He had to make sure he asks her before anyone else does.

Dumbledoore then began to speak again after the chatter calmed down.

"As most of you remember before, the rules will be the same. Fourth years and up can go, and younger students may go as well if asked by a student old enough. The ball will be held on October 31st, at 8:00 p.m. You can all wear costumes if you wish, and of course to remember to have a lot of fun. That will be all. You may go back to your dinner," Dumbledore finished.

Harry peered at Snape, who was looking very disgusted. Harry guessed he didn't find the idea of a ball very pleasing. On the other hand, Harry couldn't picture Snape dressed nicely, and dancing with a woman either. Professor Harmone was sitting next to Snape, and she seemed delighted at the idea of a Ball. She seemed to be chatting with him, and Harry could see that Snape was looking the other way trying not to listen to her. It was all very amusing, Harry thought, seeing Snape so miserable.

It was a few hours later, and they were all still in the common room working on their homework. Harry was sitting next to Ron and Ginny. He and Ron still had three parchments of their essay to write for Weil's class. Ginny had just finished her homework for Weil's class and was reading something for Herbolgy class. Hermione was sitting in the corner of the common room with Ben, helping him with his homework. Ron kept writing about two sentences and then throwing down his quill and glancing at Hermione and Ben across the room with a scowl on his face. This was really starting to get to Harry and Ginny. Every time Ron did this, it interrupted his and Ginny's train of thought. Ginny would put her book down and sigh at Ron, and Harry would forget what he was he was going to write. At this rate he would still be sitting down here writing his essay till well past the morning. Finally after Ron did it yet again, Harry had it. And apparently Ginny. Because she moved over to a small deserted section in the common room.

Ron gave Ginny a strange look. "What's her problem?" he groaned.

Harry couldn't believe it. What was Ginny's problem? Was Ron even conscious of what he was doing?

"Ron- er- what's the matter with you?" Harry questioned.

But Ron wasn't even facing him. He was too busy glaring over at Hermione.

"Will you look at Hermione over there!" Ron shouted.

"Ron, what's up with you?" Harry asked.

Ron faced Harry. "What are you talking about Harry?" Don't you see Hermione over there with Benjamin? Look at that little prat over there, monopolizing Hermione's time! "Ron moaned.

Okay, Harry knew Ron got jealous easily, especially when it had to do with Hermione. And he knew he didn't really care for Ben all that much (as did Harry), but why was Ron acting so crazy about it?

"Er- yeah, but you know Hermione Ron. Ben needs help with his homework. You know Hermione would jump at the chance, to help anyone with their schoolwork," Harry blurted trying to put some sense into Ron.

Ron shook his head. "That's true I suppose," he replied. "But I just don't' like that kid," Ron added irritably.

Just then Hermione and Benjamin got up from the couch they were sitting on, grabbed their books and headed toward Harry and Ron.

"Goodnight Benjamin. Oh- and don't forget to meet me at the library at 4:00p.m. tomorrow evening."

"I won't. Thanks, Hermione. I'll see you tomorrow," Benjamin grinned. He turned to Harry and Ron. "Bye Harry, Ron!" Benjamin added.

"Bye," Harry mumbled.

Ron just peered at him and scowled. "Buh-bye,"

Benjamin headed toward the stairs for the boy's dormitory, and before he walked up the stairs he noticed Ginny sitting in the corner reading her book, and waved goodbye to her. Harry guessed she didn't notice, because she just kept reading.

Hermione sat down next to Ron and placed her books next to her. She smiled at Ron and Harry. "Honestly It feel so good to help someone with their schoolwork."

Ron shook his head and rolled his eyes.

Hermione noticed this and peered at Ron. "What's your problem?" She questioned.

"Oh, nothing, Hermione. Maybe you should talk to your good friend Benjamin, since you two seem to be so close these days," Ron said sarcastically.

Hermione's face soured, "Oh you've got to be kidding me Ronald! What are you ten year's old?"

Harry knew this wasn't a good sign. He could feel a full-blown fight emerging here, and once it started he didn't think he could do anything to stop it. He didn't want to get in the middle of it, but Harry did think that Ron was totally overacting. Harry thought maybe Ron disliked Ben because he was Malfoy's cousin, but now Harry was starting to get the feeling that Ron was jealous of Ben spending time with Hermione. The idea was ridiculous. Why would Ron be jealous of an eleven-year-old?

"You know what your problem is Hermione? You're too easy! Willing to help anyone! Even a Malfoy!" Ron shouted angrily, his face red.

Hermione looked really upset, and her eyes glazed over. "I was really stupid to think we were past all our petty arguments. I won't make that mistake again Ronald," she said cooly as she grabbed her books and ran up to the girl's dormitory.

Ron looked furious, and miserable. He glanced at Harry, and then grabbed his books.

"Ron, where are you going? You didn't even finish your essay yet?" asked Harry.

"I'll finish it in the morning I guess," Ron mumbled briskly.

"All right," said Harry.

"I'll see you upstairs, "he added as he ran up to the boy's dormitory.

Harry realized that he still had three pages of his essay to write. And then he also realized he was alone with Ginny It was the perfect opportunity to talk to her about going to the ball. She was still sitting in the corner, reading her book. Wow, thought Harry, she didn't even say anything when Ron and Hermione were fighting. She must be trying to block it out. Harry headed over to her and sat next her.

"Hey, can you believe those two are at it again?" Harry said with a chuckle.

Ginny looked up from her book a little agitated. "I'm still reading," she blurted softly not directly looking at him.

Harry felt his face go red, and he felt awkward all of a sudden. Why was Harry starting to get the feeling that he was bothering her?

"Oh, Er, sorry, I didn't mean to bother you.", Harry mumbled.

"It's fine," she said glancing at her book again.

"So you still got a lot to read then? I myself still have three more pages on my essay for Weil's class. I'll probably still be down here for at least another two hours," Harry said.

"I see," Ginny said faintly.

"Is something wron-" Harry started to say, but Ginny interrupted.

"I think I'm just going to go to bed," she said abruptly as she slammed her book and jumped up off the couch.

"Ginny, wait. Actually I thought we could talk-"Harry started to say.

"Actually, I'm really tired. We could always talk another time, if you don't mind," Ginny said with a sharpness to her voice, as she grabbed her book and stalked off toward the girl's dormitory.

So much for asking Ginny to the Ball. What was going on with everyone tonight? Harry didn't even know what just had happened. Did he say or do something wrong? He didn't think he did But who knows anymore. Maybe Ginny didn't feel well or something. Harry would just have to hold off till tomorrow to ask her to the ball. It was probably best, because obviously it wasn't the best of times to ask her. Something was bothering her, but hopefully she would feel better in the morning. Harry also thought the same about Ron and Hermione. He didn't think he could take another day of their constant bickering. Harry then walked slowly over to where is essay was, and sighed as he sat back down, picked up his quill, and attempted to finish writing it. It was going to be a long night, thought Harry as he peered at the clock, which read 10:05 p.m.

The next morning Harry was sitting in the great hall eating breakfast by himself. He asked Ron to come with him but he grumpily mumbled that he would meet him down there in a little while. Hermione nor Ginny hadn't come to breakfast either. Harry was hoping that maybe today would go a little more smoothly than yesterday had. Besides hoping that Ron and Hermione would stop fighting, he had to somehow ask Ginny to the ball today. Harry just figured that Ginny wasn't feeling well or was tired and that's why she seemed upset last night. So he thought this morning would be the perfect opportunity to ask her. He planned to after breakfast before they headed off to class. Harry glanced around the great hall and noticed that Ben was sitting farther down the Gryffindor table. He seemed to be talking pretty closely to a tall, older girl with long dark hair. Harry instantly recognized her from the train several days ago. She was Belle Peerless, and also a Slytherin. But Harry also remembered that she wasn't like other Slytherins, and seemed to be pretty cool. Still he didn't' know that Ben and Belle were close friends. Belle waved goodbye to Ben and headed off toward the Slytherin table. Harry watched Belle sit down with a few girls at the Slytherin table, and just noticed that Malfoy was no where to be found. Harry laughed to himself that Malfoy was probably hiding out in his room, because all the Slytherins still hated him. As much as Harry enjoyed all the Slytherins despising Malfoy, he also wondered how long it would last. Just then Hermione and Ron entered the great hall. Ron was holding parchment in his hand, his face red, shaking with frustration. Hermione was behind him, gaping at the back of Ron's head, seething with anger.

"Oh. I see, Ronald! I You think your always right! Obviously, Ron Weasley can never be wrong!" Hermione shouted as they headed over to the Gryffindor table.

Ron chuckled with amusement. "Me? I can never be wrong? Look who's talking, Hermione "self-righteous" Granger!"

"Are you calling me self-righteous?"Hermione demanded.

Ron stopped in his tracks and faced Hermione. "You did hear me, didn't you?"

Hermione looked absolutely furious and started walking toward the table again."Maybe if you straightened out your priorities-no I take that back. If you actually had any priorities, then maybe you wouldn't be scrambling to finish your essay at last minute!" Hermione declared as she sat at the table next to Harry who was trying to block out their arguing. So much for them trying to get along. It was worst than ever, and the whole hall could practically hear them.

Ron sat down across the table from Harry and Hermione. "There's a difference between "prioritizing" and being obsessed. I mean there's only so much a bloody person could take with you going on and on about your schoolwork all the time," Ron uttered as he turned to Harry. "Am I right?"

Uh oh, Harry thought, as Hermione stared at him waiting for his answer, her eyebrow raised. Harry couldn't believe that Ron was putting them in the middle of their fight. Didn't they realize how ridiculous they sound? Their fighting was getting on his last nerve. But he wanted them to stop, so he tried to calm them down.

"Er- You guys-" Harry started to say, but Ron interrupted him.

"And of course your twisted desire to help people," Ron added staring at Benjamin with revulsion.

A scowl appeared on Hermione's face. "You wouldn't be taking about Benjamin, would you?"

"Bloody right, I am!" Ron admitted.

Hermione crossed her arms against her chest. "You know you are the most immature, and cold-hearted person I've ever met," Hermione said coldly.

This was getting way out of hand. Harry had to intervene. He had to say something and fast. "So do you think we should hold Quidditch tryouts this week Ron?"Harry blurted.

Hermione peered at Harry and smiled weakly at him. "Very subtle, Harry."

"Er, well I had to say something," Harry replied. "If only you guys could only hear yourself," he added peering at Ron and Hermione while sipping pumpkin juice.

"Well, sorry Harry. I guess I sort of lost control. Of my temper. Ron is impossible though," she said more calmly eyeing Ron while picking at her food.

"So what do you think Ron? You want to have tryouts this week then?" Harry mumbled before Ron would have the chance to react to Hermione.

Ron head was buried in his hands. "Yeah, Fine," Ron muttered, barely able to understand him.

All of a sudden Ron gasped. "Bloody Hell!"

"What?" questioned Harry

"I completely forgot about my essay! "Ron moaned. He quickly pulled out his quill from his robe pocket and unfolded his parchment. "There's no way I'm going to finish this in time! I still have two parchments left!" Ron said in a panic.

"Honestly Ronald, what did I tell you? I'm not going to say I told you so," Hermione said staring at Ron who was scribbling some sentences on his essay.

"Hermione, lay off!" Ron snapped back.

Hermione's face softened. "Here, let me help," she said softly as she reached across the table and touched Ron's shoulder.

"No, I can do it without your help, thank you very much," Ron uttered cooly.

Hermione rolled her eyes, and looked at Harry and sighed. Apparently she was as sick of fighting with Ron as Harry was. Too bad they were at each other's throats all the time. The three of them couldn't even have a normal conversation anymore. Harry then laughed to himself at the ridiculousness of ever thinking they could be having a relationship of some kind. They couldn't even stand to be around each other. Harry had to talk with Ron later on today to find out what's going on between them, because he didn't know how long he, and Ginny too, could deal with this. Harry almost felt like locking them two in a room together, until they worked out their issues. It seemed like a really good idea, but a thought had just occurred to him.

"Hey, have you seen Ginny this morning?" Harry asked Hermione. It was sort of odd that Ginny hadn't come down for breakfast yet.

"No, I haven't seen her," Hermione said. "She'll probably be down soon. We only have a little while before our first class," she added.

Just then as if an answer to his question, Ginny walked into the great hall, followed by Snape who looked greatly agitated. He mouthed something quickly to Ginny, and then walked over to the head table and whispered something to Professor McGonagall, who gasped as she peered over at Ginny who was walking toward the Gryffindor table. Harry mouthed hi to Ginny, but apparently she didn't see him, because she was looking straight ahead of her. Harry noticed Malfoy walk in the great hall with a smug smile on his face, as he sat by himself at the end of the Slytherin table. Harry suddenly felt like he was going to be sick. It just dawned on him that he was going to be asking Ginny to the ball in a few moments. Harry breathed calmly and tried to think of what ways would be best to ask her to the ball. Whichever way she would say yes to, Harry thought. As Ginny came to sit down by them, he smiled at her. But Ginny didn't sit down by them. Instead she kept on, walking straight down by the end of the table, as if they weren't sitting there. She took a seat, and started to read a book that she pulled out of her knapsack.

"What was that about?" Hermione said in a surprised manner.

"Dunno. I was going to ask the same thing myself," said Harry. What was going on here? Suddenly the nauseous feeling seemed to have crept up further. Could she still be upset? Harry then tried to think of a reason, any reason, why Ginny would be upset with him. He couldn't think of one. Why was Ginny acting so peculiar?

"Why is Ginny sitting way down there?" Ron said looking up from his parchment, glancing at Ginny ways down the table.

"We were just wondering the same thing. Didn't you see her come in just a minute ago?"Hermione asked outright.

"How could I have? I have to finish this sodding essay!" Ron complained.

"It was rather strange though. Snape seemed to have some words with her," Hermione stated ignoring Ron comment.

"Yeah, until she walked right passed us like we didn't even exist," Harry frowned.

Hermione seemed to be thinking rather seriously. "Well I think-" she started to say but someone cleared their throat behind them.

"Hermione?" a voice called out.

Hermione turned around and smiled. "Oh. Hello Terry"

"Hello," Terry Boot announced with a silly nervous grin on his face. He just stood there for a moment not saying much.

"Is there something that I can help you with?" Hermione said politely

"Oh, yes," Terry mumbled. He looked rather flushed. "As a matter of fact, I was wondering if I could ask you something"

After Terry said this Ron immediately jerked up his head and stared at Terry Boot suspiciously.

"Yes. Go ahead," Hermione said.

"I was wondering if you like to accompany me to the Halloween Ball," Terry said slowly, a grin plastered on his face. "I mean that is if you don't have a date already," he added anxiously.

Hermione looked shocked, as Terry asked her to the ball. For once Hermione was stumped for words. She quickly glanced at Ron for a moment, who's mouth was practically hanging open, and then back at Terry. Then a blank but serious expression crept upon her face. "Actually, I don't have a date to the ball, since nobody's asked me yet," Hermione said. She paused for a moment. "So. I'm very flattered. I need to sleep on it, but I'll get back to you tomorrow Terry," Hermione finished with a small smile.

Terry looked either relived or let down, Harry couldn't tell. She didn't exactly say no or yes. "Okay. I'll talk to you at breakfast tomorrow then?"

Hermione shook her head, and Terry headed back to his table.

Ron just stood there staring. His eyes seemed to be popping out of his head. "Your not honestly considering going to the ball with him, are you?"

Hermione smirked. "Why not? Nobody else asked me yet, now have they?"

Later, that day before dinner, Harry sat in the common room with Ron working on some homework for potion's class. Hermione was in the library tutoring Ben. He didn't know where Ginny was. He hadn't seen her since breakfast, since she walked right past him. Harry tried not to let it bother him, but he couldn't imagine what was wrong with Ginny. It was almost as she was a different person over night. Harry threw his Quill down on the table. He sure didn't feel like finishing his homework. Besides he only had a few more questions to answer anyway. He could do it later. He glanced at Ron who was just staring at his parchment.

"Ron, you almost done?" Harry asked. Maybe when Hermione came back they could all go to dinner. Harry was rather famished. But then Harry remembered how upset Ron was with Hermione that she was thinking about going to the ball with Terry Boot. And he should know especially since Ron moaned in his ear about it all the way to Weil's class. Hermione. Wasn't very happy with Ron, who didn't speak to Ron at all and walked a foot in front of them the entire time on the way to Weil's class. Personally Harry didn't' understand why Ron cared if Hermione went to the ball with Terry, since he couldn't stand to be around Hermione anymore.

"What? Oh, Yeah. Almost done," Ron said grumpily.

"Good, Do you want to go" Harry started to say.

"Maybe I should ask Luna Lovegood to the Ball" Ron blurted outright, a small smile on his face.

"What?" Harry said in surprise.

"The look on Hermione's face would be priceless. It's a brilliant idea! " Ron said grinning widely.

Harry was quiet for a moment. "Er- Ron, what's with you?"

Ron frowned. "What, you don't think it's a good idea?"

"No. I mean why do you care if Hermione goes to the Ball with Terry Boot?" Harry demanded. "You can't even be in the same room with her for two seconds without finding something to argue about. I mean it was absolutely ridiculous that I ever thought you fancied her, and that's why," Harry stopped just as he noticed Hermione walk through the portrait.

Ron's face turned bright red, and looked like he was going to say something, "I-" he started but noticed Hermione and then quickly sunk down in his seat.

"Sorry, did I interrupt something?" Hermione questioned as she stood above the two of them, clutching her bag on her shoulder, trying not to look directly at Ron.

"Er, no," said Harry. "How was uh, tutoring Benjamin?" Harry spit out.

A serious tone appeared on her face. "It went fine, thanks," she said. "Benjamin went to dinner. I told him we would meet him there," she added as Ron cringed.

"So you want to go to dinner then?" Harry said.

Hermione's face softened and she sat beside Harry as she threw her back on the table.

"Actually, I have some news," she stammered.

"What?" Harry asked.

"It's rather disturbing, and well both of you should hear this," she admitted as she peered at Harry and Ron, with a disgusted look on her face. "And it's about Ginny," she added.

"What are you bloody talking about?" said Ron.

"UH. How do I say this?" Hermione stated rather frustrated

"Is something wrong with Ginny?" Harry asked alarmed. "Did something happen?"

Hermione shook her head. "Something terribly wrong. Remember this morning when Ginny came in with Snape? How he seemed to have some words with her?"

Harry and Ron shook their heads. How could Harry forget? That's when she walked right passed him and acted like he was wearing his invisibility cloak. Maybe Hermione had found out why Ginny was acting so strange.

"Well, Snape had caught Ginny doing something," she said slowly.

"What?" said Harry.

"UH! There's no easy way to say this!" She shouted. She was quiet for a moment and took a few deep breaths. "Snape caught Ginny snogging Malfoy in the hallway."