Chapter Nine – Ron

When they arrived home after a week, they found none other than Ron Weasley. As soon as they got out of the van, Ron ran over, glad to see them. Harry could only stare. What was Ron doing here? If Ron was here it only meant one thing… his alone time with Hermione was over. Harry felt more disappointed than glad to see his best friend. Hermione too seemed disappointed instead of glad.

"What's with you two? You look like someone died," Ron said as he looked at them.

Hermione tried to look as cheerful as possible. "Just tired. Wow Ron, what're you doing here? I thought you were in Italy!"

He shrugged. He eyed Harry who avoided his eyes. "Mum wanted to cut the trip short. Dad got called in from work again." He replied. "So she said I could come here instead."

Harry nodded. "That's great Ron, just great." He couldn't help but sound resentful. "I'll just get—"

Ron stopped him. "You didn't think I'd forgotten about your birthday did you?" he smiled. Harry smiled. "I've got your present up in Hermione's room. "

Harry nodded. He found it silly for him to be slightly annoyed with Ron. He wasn't doing anything wrong. His trip was just cut short and he was his best friend. Feeling a little better, he went with them upstairs to Hermione's room. Sure enough there was a parcel on her bed. Harry ran over and tore it open.

He grinned. It was a delicious looking cake. Of course, nothing could beat Hermione's present at the campsite. It was going to be one of his favorites for a long time. They brought down the cake to the table and they celebrated Harry's birthday even though it was a week later. As Hermione went upstairs to tidy up her room, Ron and Harry went out to the yard. Mr. Granger had given Harry a baseball and now they were going to play catch with it.

"So, how long have you been here?" Harry asked as he threw Ron the ball. Ron shrugged and gave him an estimate. Could he possibly tell Ron about his feelings for Hermione? And if so, what would Ron think? He didn't want him to feel left out or anything.

"Have a good summer with Hermione," Ron asked as he threw back the ball to Harry.

Harry tried not to look too pleased as he caught the ball. "Yeah, I guess."

"Is there… Anything on your mind?"

Harry thought he saw him smile. He shook his head. "No. Why?"

"Oh, I don't know, you just didn't seem so glad to see me."

"Of course I was! I was just… Surprised is all."

Ron was smiling now. "Come on Harry, I know you've got something you want to tell me. So come on then, tell me."

"Well… Okay, but you've got to promise not to get upset."

"Promise."

"Well, okay, I think I—"

"Hey! Harry! Ron! Guess what!" Hermione had burst through the back door and was running toward them. "Mum and dad says they're taking us to the fair!"

Ron looked confused while Harry looked rather disappointed. He didn't get to tell Ron about his feelings for Hermione and with such an eventful summer, he was never going to get to it.

"The what?" Ron asked. He was beside them now.

"The fair! It's open tonight! Harry, surely you've been to a fair before?" Hermione asked. Harry could only shake his head. "Oh honestly."

"What's a fair?" Ron asked.

"you'll see!" Hermione grinned. "Now come on!"

she'd run off through the back door. Harry sighed. Ron must've noticed the look on his face because he asked,

"Is there something goin' on with you two?"

Harry looked at him, shocked. He then pretended not to look so surprised. He cleared his throat. "nope, now come on, don't wanna miss out on a fair."

"Come on Harry, you can tell me," Ron said as he followed Harry up the steps to the back door. Harry looked at him and sighed.

"I'll tell you later. Now come on."

Ron sighed. "I'm always the last to know, and what's a fair?" he asked as he followed Harry to the car. He just hoped it wasn't anything scary.