A/N: VOW! After a century, I have posted again:Inhales: It feels marvelous! I missed writing, but I really needed that break. (I only hope I haven't lost anyone b/c of the wait, lol). So, dude, my God—I got quite a few new reviewers. Thank you! I was pleased. HermioneGirl03 (again), PrincessLuckyCML, Clueless Bystander, Dreamsong, Ken, KirstiR, Elle, and Nicole: you people kick arse. I don't have too much left in the story, but this part of it (the ending) will be fun to write, and hopefully read. So… after a month… here is the next chapter, finally.

Lock and Key

Chapter 27

Ron was taken straight to Dumbledore's office, led by a hysterical Minerva McGonagall. He walked the entire way with a stone-like expression, either not hearing the Transfiguration teacher's rant or not caring. Harry was taken into Flitwick's office by the distraught Flitwick himself, and questioned, while Hermione stayed behind with Malfoy and Melbrooks to send onlookers on their way. She shook and sobbed the whole while until the Muggle Studies professor took pity and let her take her leave. (The Head Boy watched her go with morbid fascination and pleasure).

The headmaster looked positively solemn after McGonagall recounted the tale, she feeling as if the ordeal was tragic enough to actually summon tears from her eyes. Dumbledore asked Ron what had occurred, daring to believe, and hope, he had not attacked his best friend and that the trio's bond would not break. The redhead gave the exact same testimony as his professor had, confessing to everything, but with additional tidbits and a hollow voice.

"After what they did to me… after they betrayed me, I-I don't see our friendship as existent anymore."

It was with a heavy heart that Dumbledore gave Ron a month's worth of detention and inquired if he would need alternative living arrangements. Ron answered in the negative, thinking there'd be no problem since he was planning to refuse to acknowledge anyone named Harry Potter. It was with a heavier heart that Dumbledore stripped Ron of his prefect's badge and informed him that a letter to his parents might be in order. But it was with the heaviest heart of all that Dumbledore sent Ron out of his office knowing that something so wonderful, and necessary in Harry's life, had just been lost.

McGonagall hurried over to Flitwick's office after her meeting with the headmaster and Ron, hoping the Charms teacher was still talking to Harry. He indeed was, but did not appear to be getting very far. They both asked Harry questions, for his side of the story, but got limited, short answers. He was no doubt distracted; his mournful staring at the wall proved this. They eventually and reluctantly let him go, with McGonagall sadly telling him that Dumbledore might call on him at some point. She wanted to offer him more comfort, to say anything that would erase that depressing look on his face, but she unwillingly recognized this was none of her business.

McGonagall originally intended to ostracize the Head Boy and Girl for letting the confrontation between Harry and Ron escalate, but when she saw Hermione's face ripe with agony, she could not do it. Hermione immediately went to her dormitory after Melbrooks' dismissal, bypassing inquisitive students, and threw herself onto her bed, crying. She did not attend her afternoon class(es), and neither did the boys. Instead, she wept sporadically on her four poster with the hangings drawn. She skipped dinner and would not answer to her roommates concerned attempts to draw her out. Hermione wouldn't have moved from her bed or miserable disposition for anyone. She had no desire to see, speak to, or hear anyone, and that included Harry; she merely wanted to be disconsolate.

Harry seemed to take the same route as his girlfriend after his fight: solitude. He, however, took refuge in the Owlery, despite the rancid smells. (He felt it was better than being in his room, and the stench was the last thing on his mind). He pitifully held his head in his hands for most of the time as his thoughts raced. Ron… Ron knew, knew about him and Hermione… and he was wounded. This is all my fault, Harry sadly thought, I could've prevented this. I want to take it all back—I'd give anything to take it all back. Anything. If I had to face Voldemort tomorrow, I'd do it… just to get Ron back. I've lost my best friend….

It was stiff that night in the dormitory of the seventh year Gryffindor boys. Harry arrived for bed before Ron, and Dean, Neville, and Seamus threw him anxious glances. They clearly wanted to speak to him, but he would not acknowledge them. Ron walked in while Harry was in the bathroom and saw the other three. (He had been in his own isolation throughout the day as well). Seamus opened his mouth but the redhead quickly cut him off.

"Forget it." Harry came out as Ron was removing his shoes and Neville was talking quietly to Dean. They stared at each other briefly as it became absolutely still. Ron broke the connection by shoving his sneakers under his bed, appearing indifferent; Harry continued his path to the bed. As he began to close the drapes, he saw Ron walk into the bathroom and slam the door shut. His last sight was that of the others' sympathetic gaze.

Both Harry and Hermione did not show up for breakfast the next morning. Ron did, on the other hand, and ate alone—he would not even recognize his sister. He stared at his plate for most of the meal trapped in his rampant thoughts and oblivious to the other wizards in the Great Hall. His assault on Harry had zipped through the school like wildfire, becoming the fastest spread piece of information to ever hit Hogwarts. (It beat out the news that Lily Evans had agreed to go out with James Potter). Now, every person in the castle knew that Ron Weasley had dueled Harry Potter and that Harry Potter had been secretly going out with Hermione Granger.

An eagle owl landed in front of Ron at some point and brought him out of his trance. He accepted it, not exactly caring what it was, and instantly knew who the sender was:

I told you. I told you the truth about Potter and Granger. I also told you that you'd pay. Remember Weasley? When you insulted my father, in front of everyone at the beginning of the school year? Let's call this your payback. Revenge is sweet. Cheers.

Ron's face contorted with anger. He rummaged in his robes for a quill, managed to miraculously find one, and wrote Malfoy a threatening response:

If you ever speak to me again, I'll make sure they find your irreversible, hexed body in Snape's office.

He shot up from the Gryffindor table and stormed over to the Slytherins' end of the room. (About half of the eyes present were on him, the boy whom had attacked his best friend). Ron threw the parchment, and a hateful look, at the blonde before exiting the Great Hall. Malfoy read it then crumbled it in a ball, his cheeks tinting with embarrassment and resentment.

Ron left the castle and sat on the stone steps, his head resting on his right arm. For the second time since the previous day, he felt like crying. All of this seemed to be some ghastly nightmare from which he couldn't escape. And the worse part was it was just beginning. How could they? I feel so… alone. I can't deal with this. If I see them together, I'll… I'll j-just lose it, I know.

"Ron," a soft voice said. He straightened up, not even realizing someone had been approaching. He turned around only to see Ginny. She looked confused and upset.

"Please Ron," she started, "You'll talk to me, won't you? It's that… I'm worried about you, a-and lost. It what everyone is saying true? About Harry and Hermione? I haven't seen them…. What's going on?" Ron returned to his original position, gazing out towards Hagrid's hut.

"Sit down then. You may be as shocked as I was," he throatily instructed.

Harry's stomach forced him down to lunch, though he went as early as possible so as to avoid people. He had gone to class earlier but chose to sit in the very back of the room, not make eye contact with anyone, and remain mute. (He had seen neither Ron nor Hermione more than once, and certainly had not spoken to them). In Potions Harry received a greeting from Draco Malfoy. The Head Boy passed by his table where he sat alone, on his way to the bathroom (something which Harry would have never been allowed), and craftily flung the note at him:

Having a good day Potter? It's a shame what happened between you and Weasley yesterday isn't it? Were you really dating Granger and not telling him? Perhaps I shouldn't have tipped him off…. Oh yes, that's right—I told Weasel. It's my gift to you for putting my father in Azkaban. I never forget, Potter.

There was no forewarning of the sudden fury that shot through Harry's veins. Small, white dots flew across his vision before he jumped out of his seat. Malfoy had done this.

"Potter," Snape barked, "What are you doing!" Harry ran out of the dungeon, determined to catch up to the Head Boy. He ignored the professor's yells of protest and hurried up the corridor. Knowing the pompous little bastard, he would be taking his precious time to get to the bathroom, if he even planned on truly going there.

Sure enough, Harry found Malfoy strolling nonchalantly with his hands in his pockets, not too far from the classroom. He turned at the sound of Harry's feet and Harry drew his wand.

"Densaugeo! Furnunculus!" he commanded furiously. Malfoy had no time to retaliate. His right hand began swelling gigantically and numerous boils sprouted on his face. He shouted out frantically.

"Mutis!" Harry added venomously. Snape, and the rest of the Potions class, arrived as Malfoy became an alarming deep blue.

"Potter," the professor shouted incredulously. He pointed his own wand at the blonde, "Desino!" Malfoy's hand stopped growing, as did the number of sores on his face. He looked ready to faint.

"Mr. Malfoy, hospital wing," Snape ordered. The colored Slytherin raced off, dragging his enormous hand with him amidst a few snickers. Snape turned on Harry, infuriated, "You. The headmaster's office, now," he hissed. Harry, whose face displayed nothing but contempt, walked off without so much as a word. He was no doubt about to pay for what he had just done, but it currently did not bother him. Hexing Malfoy had been worthwhile and he definitely would have continued had not Snape intervened.

"The rest of you return to the classroom immediately!" the teacher snapped.

Harry had to wait outside Dumbledore's office a few minutes before he was allowed to enter. He cooled down during that time, seriously considering the situation. Yes Malfoy had told Ron, but he had only done what Harry had been deathly afraid to do. His intention may have been spiteful, but he had laid it out on the table. At least someone had the courage to, Harry noted,… but I still hate Malfoy, probably even more so.

"Harry," the old man greeted as his door opened. The Boy Who Lived got up from leaning against the wall and walked in, glancing at Dumbledore: he appeared grave.

"I just talked with Severus," the professor remarked, once seated. Harry guessed it had been through the Floo Network but bothered not to ask. There was silence as the two stared at one another. Was Dumbledore expecting him to speak first or something?

"Yeah, I cursed Malfoy," Harry confessed, shifting in his seat. The head of the school sighed.

"And why, precisely?" Harry took Malfoy's parchment from his pocket and handed it to the other wizard.

"I snapped when I read it," he mumbled, arms crossed.

"Did you show this to Professor Snape?" Dumbledore wondered, when finished.

"No, and I won't."

"Very well, Harry. I know Mr. Malfoy's actions were abominable, but they do not warrant yours for physically attacking him," Harry said nothing, "You will have detention for two weeks with Professor Snape. And, I am afraid to report, he insists that if you have one more… mishap, in his classroom, he will remove you from his Potions course." The Gryffindor's eyes met Dumbledore's. Somehow, he felt torn about that threat.

"Harry," the headmaster commenced, his voice taking on a grandfatherly tone, "Moving on to why you jinxed Mr. Malfoy in the first place… you current predicament—"

"I'm not in trouble, am I?"

"No. Mr. Weasley admitted to initiating the whole affair."

"Then sir," Harry began, closing his eyes, "I am really not in the mood to talk or hear about that. And forgive me for saying this, but, it's not exactly your business." He opened his eyes to see Dumbledore solemnly nodding his head, fingers together. He looked a tad defeated.

"Indeed, you are correct Harry," he admitted, "If you do not wish to discuss it, I cannot fault or force you." Harry averted his gaze to the carpet and was quiet for a moment.

"Besides, it's not like I can fix it," he murmured. Dumbledore looked at him pityingly.

"Simply know that all things grow better with time," he advised. In this case, I doubt that, the boy thought.

"Am I free to go?" Harry questioned.

"Yes. I will look the other way if you decide to not return to Potions."

Gryffindor had Quidditch practice that night, but Harry had resolved on not having it. No, he had not officially announced that to his teammates (for he had not spoken to them at all), but he figured that they'd figure out he was in no frame of mind to play Quidditch. What was more, Ron was on the team…. Harry did not show up to dinner since the idea of all those gaping people gave him a headache. Instead, he went directly to the kitchens. Hermione, on the other hand, did attend supper, though very early on. She managed to finish as most students started to arrive.

Her day had been as terrible as the previous. She had not been completely able to hide out in her room due to her classes, but was found there if she wasn't in a lesson. Hermione would still not talk to her roommates and her tears seemed to not have dried up. Hearing people whisper when she was near had almost sent her into tears again. The one sight that had succeeded in making her cry was that of Ron, briefly in the common room; he was like her walking, freckled broken heart. At dinner Hermione realized she had not truly seen or spoken to Harry since the fiasco—a full day. (This revelation also sent her on the verge of tears). However, as much as she probably needed him, it just didn't seem right. It'd be like spitting in Ron's face, again.

That late evening, after Hermione had eaten and stayed holed up in her room for a good while, she decided to go see Ginny. She was becoming lonely, more downtrodden, and sincerely wanted to speak to someone who wouldn't judge or look at her funny. The Head Girl went down to the common room and searched for the Weasley girl, ignoring most of the room's stares. She didn't see her, so tried her room. Lauren Chid answered and looked surprised to see Hermione. The Chaser amiably let her in and then considerately left. Ginny was the only other girl inside, and she sat at her desk reading.

"Ginny." Hermione tentatively began, her voice beginning to waver. The redhead looked at her.

"Ginny, I… I really need to talk to someone—you."

"About what," she replied, setting the book down, "About what happened yesterday? About what you and Harry did to my brother?"

"Ginny, I—" Hermione frantically started, sensing something was wrong.

"Let me see if I have all of it. You and Harry go out with each other, presumably at the start of this year, and you tell no one. You don't bother telling your friends or the people closest to you, and you selfishly don't think about how they'll feel! It seems that you'll never tell a soul about it—"

"That's not true!" Hermione insisted, tears in her eyes and voice quavering.

"Until Ron finds out about it from Malfoy," Ginny continued, the anger coloring her face, "So, in conclusion, you ruined your friendship and trust, and crushed his heart! Not only that, but you may have hurt more than just Ron!" Hermione couldn't speak anymore, and stood there holding herself as if she were cold.

"Is that what you wanted to talk about Hermione?" she cruelly pondered. Hermione turned and abruptly left, hating herself. So, it seemed she had lost Ginny as well. Who else was angry with her and Harry? Oh, this was simply too much to bear! Hermione couldn't handle it. They had brought this upon themselves, hadn't they? But was this outcome fair? This painful outcome?

Crying, she hurried out of the common room, desperate to be anywhere else. She would hide somewhere. The Hufflepuffs had rounds, and it'd be exceedingly awkward if they found her weeping uncontrollably. Hermione sharply turned a corner and almost collided with Harry. He looked permanently put out.

"Hermione?" he questioned, noticing her tear stained face. After almost 48 hours of misery, she realized he was the solution for alleviating it. Not caring about it not seeming right, or if anyone saw them, Hermione threw her arms around him. Harry immediately held her just as tightly as she began to sob to him the story of Ginny. After she finished, he told her about his incident with Malfoy.

"The entire castle is watching us, talking about us. It's horrible," she said, still holding him, "We should have just told them Harry—we should have just told them! Especially R-Ron!" At the mention of his name, fresh tears surfaced.

"I know," he assured, "We… we waited too long."

"He had t-to hear about it from M-Malfoy, of all people! I hate this. Everyone's regarding us, and R-Ron… the t-thought of us sickens him!" He hushed her cries by rubbing her back and kissing her neck, once.

"I know it's bad Hermione," Harry stated, "I can't stand it anymore than you can, and am entirely furious with myself. I'd do almost anything to get… to get, him, back," He couldn't bring himself to say Ron's name, "I regret not telling him and the way things are now, but I'll never regret acting on my feelings for you. Never. I wouldn't give you up for all Europe. I wouldn't give you up just so… just so he would speak to us again, either." They stayed in the corridor for a few more minutes continuing to cling to one another, with an occasional sniff coming from Hermione.

A/N: Ta da! (Bet you haven't heard that in awhile, huh buddy)? There. My coming back chapter. I don't really like it, but it is what it is. I have a really big question I need someone to answer: do the Hogwarts students go home for Easter! I honestly cannot remember, and need to know. Anywho! I'll post again next week, promise. Kay, later much!