There For You
Chapter 9: Furball?
Author's Note: Hi guys! How's it going? Nutcracker's going good, if anyone's interested. Our first performance was Friday and we had one yesterday and one today (Sunday) as well as three next weekend. But I got a few chances to get this typed and put up. Yay! And thank you all for the awesome reviews for last chapter! I'm so glad you all liked it! I loved writing it! All right, here we go!
"Hermione, why haven't you yelled at me yet?" Ron asked after an hour of lying with her in the Hospital wing. She glanced up at him and raised her eyebrow.
"Do you want me to yell at you?"
"No, but I know you're mad at me so I was curious why you hadn't yet."
"First of all, Malfoy's in here and I don't want him to listen and second, I want you well enough to fully understand everything I say," she answered somewhat threateningly. Ron looked uncomfortable at the thought of her lecture.
"Right," he answered.
Hermione looked over where Harry was lying with Ginny bent over on his bed, asleep on her and Harry's laced hands. Hermione sighed and scooted up closer to Ron's head. She did a double take and stared at the door. Ron watched her curiously.
"What is it?"
"Was someone just standing in the doorway? I thought I saw a person looking inside here."
"Okay.I didn't see anyone," he answered. Hermione shrugged and rested her head back on Ron's shoulder. He ran the tips of his fingers up and down her arm and leaned his chin against the top of her head.
"How do you feel?" she asked.
"I'm fine."
"No you aren't. Look at you. You've got bruises and scratches all over."
"But I feel fine."
"Oh, so you aren't in any pain at all, hmmm?"
"Better than during the holidays."
"You aren't breathing very evenly. You sound sort of jagged."
"My back kind of hurts and Malfoy got me in the ribs when he jumped on me."
"So you don't feel fine."
"I'll survive." Hermione rolled her eyes but hugged him a little tighter.
"Does this hurt?" she asked softly.
"No, it feels perfect." In truth, it was a little painful but he was just happy she wanted to lay with him after what had happened.
Ginny suddenly sat up and Ron and Hermione looked at her curiously.
"What is it?" Ron asked. But she didn't have to answer. They all watched as Harry's hand squeezed Ginny's and his head tilted to the side.
"Harry?" Ginny said tentatively. He groaned and opened his eyes. Ginny gasped and Ron and Hermione smiled. Harry squinted and looked around. He noticed Ginny next to him and watched her kiss his hand, which was still entwined in hers.
"Hi Harry," she whispered. A tear ran down her cheek and he instinctively lifted his arm to wipe it away but pulled back.
"Why do I hurt so much?" he asked groggily.
"Don't you remember falling off your broom at the Quiditch game?" Ginny answered. This seemed to jog his memory.
"Malfoy threw a bat at me." Ginny nodded and Hermione felt Ron's muscles tense. She looked up at him and saw anger in his eyes. She caressed his cheek with her thumb to calm him and he relaxed as he let out a deep breath.
"So I fell off and got knocked out?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, Madam Pomfrey said you got a mild concussion. You landed on your side and it's all bruised," Ginny answered.
"That explains why I can't reach. Or breath, really," he added jokingly. Ginny kissed his hand again and smiled at him.
"What time is it?" he asked. Ron checked his watch.
"Almost four. You weren't out too long."
"Thank goodness," Ginny said. "I was afraid you wouldn't wake for a few days like you usually do. I don't know what I would have done. It was difficult watching you like this for just a few hours." Harry squeezed her hand.
"Sorry I made you worry," he said. Ginny shook her head.
"It's not your fault, it's Malfoy's." She looked back at him where he was sleeping and Harry finally noticed his presence. He wrinkled his eyebrows.
"What happened to him?" he asked and looked at Ron. He realized that Ron was also hurt.
"What the hell happened to you guys?"
"Well, after he hit you.I sort of tackled him and we had a bit of a row," Ron answered, avoiding Hermione's angry expression.
"A bit of a row?" Hermione scoffed. "Oh no, Ron attacked him and practically tried to kill him." Ron shrugged. He couldn't deny it.
"Really? Because he hit me? You didn't need to kill him for that." Ron shook his head.
"It was that plus he was saying stuff about Hermione and you and Ginny. I couldn't let him get away with it." Hermione shook her head.
"You really did a number on him," Harry laughed. "He looks worse than you did at Christmas and he had Crabbe and Goyle with him then." Ron nodded and grinned. Hermione sat up and glared at Harry.
"Don't encourage him! It was awful! First you fell, and then all of a sudden Ron runs at Malfoy, knocks him over and starts beating him to death! Malfoy got him off and jumped on Ron and started punching him! It was the worst fight I've ever seen! I'm standing there screaming and yelling for Ron to stop while Seamus and Collin Creevey tried to pull them apart. Then Crabbe and Goyle grabbed them and they started fighting! Finally some of the other D.A. came and stunned Crabbe and Goyle and got Ron and Malfoy away from each other. Snape took Malfoy and the two oafs and Ron went to the Hospital wing." She looked close to tears again and stood up.
"Excuse me," she said and walked out the door. Ron groaned and hoisted himself up.
"I've got to go talk to her," he sighed and followed her. Harry took in a long slow breath and exhaled. He let go of Ginny's hand and lifted up his shirt to examine himself. The side of his chest and stomach was covered in blue and purple bruises as well as his arm and shoulder.
"Being in the Hospital wing twice in one week was not my plan," he chuckled. Ginny nodded and watched him worriedly.
"I'm alright Gin, don't worry." She didn't say anything but continued to look at him with a sad expression.
"Come here," he said and scooted over on his bed. She climbed on top of the sheets and laid her head next to his on the pillow. He kissed her lips and took her hand again. She sighed.
"The moment I saw you falling was one of the scariest things I've ever seen. I couldn't do anything to help or stop you, just watch you land on the pitch. I ran to you and shook your arm but you were unconscious. I was so worried." He kissed her again, longer this time.
"I'm sorry you had to worry. Thanks for staying with me."
"Of course I stayed with you. I wanted to be here when you woke up. I'm glad I didn't have to wait long."
"Well, I didn't fall that far down so it wasn't too bad of a landing."
"Malfoy is such an ass," Ginny said angrily. Harry nodded.
"I'm sort of glad Ron finally gave him what he deserved but I understand why Hermione was upset. It really wasn't the smartest thing to do. Plus it got him hurt again."
"Especially since the newspaper article this morning. It really worried Hermione. You could see it in her eyes. The news scared her a lot." Ginny nodded and kissed his cheek.
"I'm glad you're awake and all right," she whispered. He turned and smiled at her.
"Me too."
Ron followed Hermione as quickly as he could down the hall but had a hard time keeping up.
"Hermione!" he called. She turned around and stopped. He finally made it to her.
"Okay, say it. Tell me how stupid I was and how fighting is wrong and all that stuff. I know you want to so just do it." She shook her head.
"You don't even understand why I'm upset!"
"Then tell me and I'll see if I understand!" She sighed and pulled him into an empty room next to them. Ron was walking at a slow pace and she grabbed a chair for him to sit in. She took another and sat across from him.
"You really should have stayed in bed you know."
"Right, after you walk out close to crying I'm supposed to just sit in bed?"
"Fine." She looked down for a moment to collect her thoughts. He watched her expectantly. She sighed and met his eyes. She couldn't seem to begin. She swallowed as she felt tears come to her eyes again.
"Hermione, please don't cry. I hate that I've made you cry so many times over a stupid fight," he said sadly. She took in a shaky breath.
"I just hate watching you get hurt," she began as a few tears left her eyes. "Do you know how awful it is to see someone you love be beaten up? It's horrible Ron! There are just so many things happening right now and you have to go and start a fistfight with Malfoy! Honestly, can't you just ignore him and move on? He bothers you to get a reaction and then you get in trouble! He would have gotten detention for knocking Harry off anyway so why did you have to jump him?" Ron didn't want to repeat Malfoy's words about her and Ginny but she wanted a reply. He sighed and stared at her shoes.
"He asked if you were a good shag and said if you weren't a mu.you know, he might give you a go." She pursed her lips.
"All right, that was inappropriate but it didn't give you the right to do that to him."
"But there's more. He asked if I thought Harry and Ginny were.because he says Harry looks at her in that way and Ginny wouldn't protest because poverty can do that to a girl. He made fun of me too but I could have handled that if he hadn't said the other stuff." Hermione shook her head.
"I can't believe he said that! That's really awful of him!"
"See, that's why I did it!"
"Ok, I understand you were mad at him but I wish you hadn't fought him again. You've been injured so much this year, it's hard for me to handle. But it isn't just that you got hurt, but think of what else you've done. You aren't a prefect anymore. You've lost that right and it could have lost you your chance at being Head Boy next year."
"Hermione, that really isn't that important to me."
"I know, but think of who it was important to." He wrinkled his eyebrows.
"You?" he answered uncertainly. She sighed and shook her head.
"No, your parents! Do you remember how proud your mother was when she found out you were a prefect? Do you remember the look on her face? Now imagine her face when they find out what happened." Ron stared at the floor. He suddenly felt guilty for losing his spot as prefect.
"I suppose I didn't think of that."
"No, you didn't. I know you thought it was stupid and the twins made fun of you but the rest of us were really proud of you. We knew you could do it and you were a good person for the job. But it's gone now."
"Yeah.," he said lamely.
"But do you want to know what upset me most?" she whispered. He nodded.
"I am terrified now that the Death Eaters are out." She sniffed. "I'm so worried that something's going to happen to Harry or any of us. What if Malfoy tells his dad about all the trouble you've gotten him into this year? Lucious Malfoy is out now, Ron. Draco knows it and would get you in serious trouble without question. We don't know how long Voldemort and the Death Eaters will wait to strike. But they will strike. I know they will. I just can't bear to think of what they'll do." She sobbed and put her hands over her face. Ron opened his mouth but couldn't think of anything comforting to say. He moved forward and wrapped his arms around her. She cried into his shoulder and he ran his hand through her hair.
"I'm sorry Hermione. I promise, no more fighting. I'm done." She looked at him.
"You promise? You won't do anything to Malfoy?" He nodded.
"I promise." She seemed very relieved and hugged him again.
"So why did you stay with me when you were mad?" Ron asked.
"Because, I was just happy you were alright. I can be upset with you and still want to be around you. I love you, even when I'm mad."
"Oh, well I'm glad you'll lay with me when you're pissed off."
"Yes, aren't you lucky."
"Very."
"Let me take you back to the Hospital wing," she said softly. "You need to rest. I shouldn't have let you leave."
"Really Love, I'm fine." She just shook her head and stood up. She took his hand and helped him stand. He put his arm around her shoulder and she wrapped hers around his waist. They headed back to his bed where they were surprised to find Ginny asleep in Harry's bed. Harry had almost fallen asleep but opened his eyes when the pair entered. He smiled at them. Ron pursed his lips at Ginny sleeping with him but couldn't really protest since Hermione had lain with him earlier. Ron climbed back into his bed.
"Do you need anything?" Hermione asked as she smoothed his hair away from his face. He thought a moment and his stomach gave a low rumble. He forgot that he had missed lunch. Hermione laughed.
"I suppose that answers my question. I'll go get some food for us. Harry?"
"If you can," he answered.
"Be right back," she said and pecked Ron on the lips. He relaxed into his bed and looked over at Malfoy, who was currently snoring. There was something he could tease him about. 'Damn,' he thought. 'I promised I would leave him alone.'
"So is everything okay with you two?" Harry asked. Ron nodded.
"But I can't fight, make fun of, or bother Malfoy any more. Hermione's worried he'll say something to his dad about it and something'll happen to me. I've made her cry so much so I just gave in." Harry chuckled.
"So you can't make fun of his snoring? That's a shame." Ron grinned and nodded in agreement. Madam Pomfrey walked in a moment later.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, you're awake. Ahem, please wake Miss Weasley and kindly ask her to get out of your bed." Harry gently prodded her and she opened her eyes. She saw the stern look on Madam Pomfrey's face and quickly sat in her chair. The nurse nodded.
"Good, now how do you feel Mr. Potter?" Harry told her and she checked him over. She looked at Ron and made her way over to Malfoy. Hermione came back in followed by Seamus, Dean, and Neville. They had a few plates between them and set them down on Ron and Harry's bedside tables.
"Hey mates, how's it going?" Seamus asked and pulled up a chair. "Good game. And nice fight Ron," he chuckled, grinning broadly. Hermione glared at him and the smile left his face. He looked at Ron as seriously as he could and said, "I mean Ron! What were you thinking? I'm very disappointed in you!" Ron laughed and Seamus glanced at Hermione. She had a small grin on her face.
"That's better," she told him.
"So how're you doing Harry? I see you're alive after your fall," Dean said. Everyone laughed.
"Expected me to die, eh?" Harry chuckled.
"And you Ron?" Dean asked.
"Never better," he answered. Hermione scoffed.
"Fur ball?" Seamus asked her.
"Oh shut up!" she exclaimed laughing. Seamus leaned back in his chair and looked around. He spotted Malfoy in the corner. After all their commotion he was awake and reading a magazine. Seamus turned back around and grinned at Ron.
"He looks awful!" Ron nodded and bit happily into his fourth chicken leg.
They spent the rest of the afternoon and evening eating, laughing, and talking. They were later joined by Lavender who was looking for Seamus, and Parvati. None of them went to dinner since they had brought up so much food. Madam Pomfrey came in at nine and announced it was time for the visitors to leave. The boys rounded up the plates and told the others good- bye. Ginny kissed Harry on the lips and waved at Ron as she walked out. Hermione had been sitting next to Ron during the afternoon and leaned in to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek a few times. She rubbed his back and whispered, "I love you," in his ear.
"I love you too," he replied. She stood up and moved over to Harry to kiss his cheek.
"I'll be back in the morning," she told them and left the room. Ron felt exhausted and quickly fell asleep. Harry was tired of being on his back but it hurt too much to move. He finally fell into an uncomfortable slumber. Madam Pomfrey checked in a few minutes later to make sure everyone was gone and extinguished the last few candles.
Author's Note: Not as eventful as the last chapter but oh well! If anything sounded weird or came out strange it's because I don't have time to reread this. All right, next few chapters will be happier. I know this one and last one were a little angsty so I'll avoid that for a bit and get back to romance and humor. Ok, responses for all of my beloved reviewers! Oh! I forgot! hp/charmed obsessed needs reviews so read her story! It's called The Truth Revealed and is in my favorites. Don't tell her she needs to edit it because she already knows. Ok, now individuals!
KrisKG: Thanks for another long review! I'm glad you liked the chapter! I don't know what Pansy sees in him either, lol. I agree, get rid of the Slytherins! Send them to Krum's old school so we don't have to deal with them! Hope you like what I did with this chapter. How was Hermione's reaction?
Duckymander: Thank you! Glad you liked it! I hoped my Quidditch game wasn't bad! Lol! Yep, just like Malfoy. Taunt people and lose! You're so nice! I do try to make this realistic. I can't see how Hermione could think it was a stupid thing to get detention over since she's such a rule keeper but I have read Hermione's like that. You're right, Ginny is sort of like James. Good analogy! Thanks for all the compliments! I love it! Yes, this is the same year as before (sixth). It starts off right after they leave the Burrow to go back to school. I'm not doing a seventh year for this fic. I'll probably do an after Hogwarts fic that goes along with this story and it's events. Anyway, thank you so much!
Lissa: You're totally right, Ron deserves a chance to hit him! Lol, thanks, glad you liked it!
Potterweasley: Thank you! I'm glad you understand what you mean. I'll read sixth and seventh year fics, it doesn't matter to me as long as they're good and not horribly OOC. I'm happy you liked my Quidditch scene! I really tried to make it enjoyable to read. Yeah, I've read stories where Malfoy is suddenly on the good side too but I really don't see that happening. I thought about making him good at the end of this fic but it wouldn't make any sense at all in this story. And I've got the Cho/Harry/Ginny fight thing planned out and I think people will like it. Cho will still be nice, not suddenly evil, but something'll happen between them. Ok, bye!
Sexy seeker: I'm glad Ron got to fight him too! Yes, Hermione was mad at him but she was also worried about him so she wanted to be with him, despite her anger. I forgot to add that but remembered when I reread your review! I promise I will get in some extra Harry and Ginny! Lol! Next chapter! More H/G!
ElmoRock3113: I know, Malfoy sucks! Thank you very much!
Shortywithbrains: Thanks! It'll be a couple chapters before the Harry/Giny fight but it won't be a devastating argument or anything. They will make up! I know it's weird but they haven't argued at all and I think it's about time they did. I like my part in Nutcracker pretty well but I have some other issues with it. Long story but I'm still having fun!
Line-from Denmark: Thank you!
Joots: Thanks! Glad you liked it so much! I don't know what I'll do about Ron being a prefect; I'll have to think about it. It's possible I'll be able to get another chapter up Monday. That would be a really fast update!
MioneRon16: Thank you! This was probably my favorite chapter. I felt like I wrote it the best. I'll update as soon as I can!
Mione Weasley: Lol! You're so funny! I'm glad you liked it so much! I think it's one of the best chapters I've done. I know the shag thing was harsh but hey this is Malfoy! I like my nice and sweet Seamus too! I can't imagine him evil! I wanted to develop his character a bit more and make him friendlier towards the main characters. Yes, I know who you are! You're one of my most faithful reviewers! And the author of one my favorite stories! Read you're A/N and am looking forward to your sequel! Yeah, actually, that's sort of how it will go with Cho. She won't be evilly hitting on him though. Ok, bye!
Hp/charmed obsessed: Thanks! Well, you already know I read your fic!
Angelface58: Thank you very much!
Loli-chick336: Thanks a lot! I'm so glad you liked it so much! I think the Harry/Cho thing will be good. It'll come in a few chapters or so.
Cheese Diva: Oh my God! Huge review! Don't worry, I love it! I understand that you were busy but lucky you to have three chapters to read when you got the chance! Glad you liked the hickey! I thought that would be totally hilarious and Ginny having it even better! Yes, Lupin is there! Hooray! Glad you liked my odd new creature. I looked in Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them but didn't want to use any of the creatures in there so I made one up! Plus I wanted Malfoy to use against Harry and none in the book worked. Glad I kept you intrigued in chapter 8! I'm not sure what I'm going to do about Ron's prefect job. Gotta think about it a little. I enjoyed writing my fight since Malfoy was attacked! Yay! Don't worry, be as redundant as you want! But trippin' works too! Lol! And don't worry about the long review! I loved it! And it didn't matter that you did three in one review. Thank you so much!
Winky55: Thanks! I didn't write it but I meant for both his arms to be above his head so he wasn't holing on when the bat hit him. I suppose was a bit unlikely but oh well!
Bellalovesron: I looked but you weren't listed! Are you sure you reviewed because I'm positive I responded to all my reviewers! If you did and I missed it, I'm so sorry! I'm glad you liked the chapter! Thank you!
Bballgirl02: Thanks very much!
RonandHerm4eva: Thank you! I would answer each of your reviews but there are too many! But thanks for reviewing each individually since I didn't on all the chapters of Love Will Find A Way (which I love by the way) but you had so many and I wanted to get caught up as soon as I could! Glad you liked everything! Thanks for reading again!
Thec00lgirl6790: I'm going to answer both of your reviews for six and eight. I'm really surprised you don't know what a hickey is! Wow! Ok, a hickey is a red spot you get on your body after someone has sucked on the area for a little while with their mouth. It's also called a love bite because you usually get one when you're kissing or making out with someone. Does that help? And thanks, glad you liked chapter eight!
David Ken: Thanks, I'm glad you like it. Yeah, Malfoy deserved a good beating and Ron gave it to him but not to the point of death. I need Malfoy for other purposes in the story. By the way, I love Groundhog Day! You've written it so well! I still have more to read though! I need to get caught up!
Ashie: Thank you! It was pretty similar huh? But that isn't a bad thing cuz it's so cute when the lay together, which I why I write it so much. Yes, I'll get some H/G fluff in next chapter, before the fight.
Miss Prongs: Thanks very much!
Lily106: Thank you! Lol, I don't know!
Chapter 9: Furball?
Author's Note: Hi guys! How's it going? Nutcracker's going good, if anyone's interested. Our first performance was Friday and we had one yesterday and one today (Sunday) as well as three next weekend. But I got a few chances to get this typed and put up. Yay! And thank you all for the awesome reviews for last chapter! I'm so glad you all liked it! I loved writing it! All right, here we go!
"Hermione, why haven't you yelled at me yet?" Ron asked after an hour of lying with her in the Hospital wing. She glanced up at him and raised her eyebrow.
"Do you want me to yell at you?"
"No, but I know you're mad at me so I was curious why you hadn't yet."
"First of all, Malfoy's in here and I don't want him to listen and second, I want you well enough to fully understand everything I say," she answered somewhat threateningly. Ron looked uncomfortable at the thought of her lecture.
"Right," he answered.
Hermione looked over where Harry was lying with Ginny bent over on his bed, asleep on her and Harry's laced hands. Hermione sighed and scooted up closer to Ron's head. She did a double take and stared at the door. Ron watched her curiously.
"What is it?"
"Was someone just standing in the doorway? I thought I saw a person looking inside here."
"Okay.I didn't see anyone," he answered. Hermione shrugged and rested her head back on Ron's shoulder. He ran the tips of his fingers up and down her arm and leaned his chin against the top of her head.
"How do you feel?" she asked.
"I'm fine."
"No you aren't. Look at you. You've got bruises and scratches all over."
"But I feel fine."
"Oh, so you aren't in any pain at all, hmmm?"
"Better than during the holidays."
"You aren't breathing very evenly. You sound sort of jagged."
"My back kind of hurts and Malfoy got me in the ribs when he jumped on me."
"So you don't feel fine."
"I'll survive." Hermione rolled her eyes but hugged him a little tighter.
"Does this hurt?" she asked softly.
"No, it feels perfect." In truth, it was a little painful but he was just happy she wanted to lay with him after what had happened.
Ginny suddenly sat up and Ron and Hermione looked at her curiously.
"What is it?" Ron asked. But she didn't have to answer. They all watched as Harry's hand squeezed Ginny's and his head tilted to the side.
"Harry?" Ginny said tentatively. He groaned and opened his eyes. Ginny gasped and Ron and Hermione smiled. Harry squinted and looked around. He noticed Ginny next to him and watched her kiss his hand, which was still entwined in hers.
"Hi Harry," she whispered. A tear ran down her cheek and he instinctively lifted his arm to wipe it away but pulled back.
"Why do I hurt so much?" he asked groggily.
"Don't you remember falling off your broom at the Quiditch game?" Ginny answered. This seemed to jog his memory.
"Malfoy threw a bat at me." Ginny nodded and Hermione felt Ron's muscles tense. She looked up at him and saw anger in his eyes. She caressed his cheek with her thumb to calm him and he relaxed as he let out a deep breath.
"So I fell off and got knocked out?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, Madam Pomfrey said you got a mild concussion. You landed on your side and it's all bruised," Ginny answered.
"That explains why I can't reach. Or breath, really," he added jokingly. Ginny kissed his hand again and smiled at him.
"What time is it?" he asked. Ron checked his watch.
"Almost four. You weren't out too long."
"Thank goodness," Ginny said. "I was afraid you wouldn't wake for a few days like you usually do. I don't know what I would have done. It was difficult watching you like this for just a few hours." Harry squeezed her hand.
"Sorry I made you worry," he said. Ginny shook her head.
"It's not your fault, it's Malfoy's." She looked back at him where he was sleeping and Harry finally noticed his presence. He wrinkled his eyebrows.
"What happened to him?" he asked and looked at Ron. He realized that Ron was also hurt.
"What the hell happened to you guys?"
"Well, after he hit you.I sort of tackled him and we had a bit of a row," Ron answered, avoiding Hermione's angry expression.
"A bit of a row?" Hermione scoffed. "Oh no, Ron attacked him and practically tried to kill him." Ron shrugged. He couldn't deny it.
"Really? Because he hit me? You didn't need to kill him for that." Ron shook his head.
"It was that plus he was saying stuff about Hermione and you and Ginny. I couldn't let him get away with it." Hermione shook her head.
"You really did a number on him," Harry laughed. "He looks worse than you did at Christmas and he had Crabbe and Goyle with him then." Ron nodded and grinned. Hermione sat up and glared at Harry.
"Don't encourage him! It was awful! First you fell, and then all of a sudden Ron runs at Malfoy, knocks him over and starts beating him to death! Malfoy got him off and jumped on Ron and started punching him! It was the worst fight I've ever seen! I'm standing there screaming and yelling for Ron to stop while Seamus and Collin Creevey tried to pull them apart. Then Crabbe and Goyle grabbed them and they started fighting! Finally some of the other D.A. came and stunned Crabbe and Goyle and got Ron and Malfoy away from each other. Snape took Malfoy and the two oafs and Ron went to the Hospital wing." She looked close to tears again and stood up.
"Excuse me," she said and walked out the door. Ron groaned and hoisted himself up.
"I've got to go talk to her," he sighed and followed her. Harry took in a long slow breath and exhaled. He let go of Ginny's hand and lifted up his shirt to examine himself. The side of his chest and stomach was covered in blue and purple bruises as well as his arm and shoulder.
"Being in the Hospital wing twice in one week was not my plan," he chuckled. Ginny nodded and watched him worriedly.
"I'm alright Gin, don't worry." She didn't say anything but continued to look at him with a sad expression.
"Come here," he said and scooted over on his bed. She climbed on top of the sheets and laid her head next to his on the pillow. He kissed her lips and took her hand again. She sighed.
"The moment I saw you falling was one of the scariest things I've ever seen. I couldn't do anything to help or stop you, just watch you land on the pitch. I ran to you and shook your arm but you were unconscious. I was so worried." He kissed her again, longer this time.
"I'm sorry you had to worry. Thanks for staying with me."
"Of course I stayed with you. I wanted to be here when you woke up. I'm glad I didn't have to wait long."
"Well, I didn't fall that far down so it wasn't too bad of a landing."
"Malfoy is such an ass," Ginny said angrily. Harry nodded.
"I'm sort of glad Ron finally gave him what he deserved but I understand why Hermione was upset. It really wasn't the smartest thing to do. Plus it got him hurt again."
"Especially since the newspaper article this morning. It really worried Hermione. You could see it in her eyes. The news scared her a lot." Ginny nodded and kissed his cheek.
"I'm glad you're awake and all right," she whispered. He turned and smiled at her.
"Me too."
Ron followed Hermione as quickly as he could down the hall but had a hard time keeping up.
"Hermione!" he called. She turned around and stopped. He finally made it to her.
"Okay, say it. Tell me how stupid I was and how fighting is wrong and all that stuff. I know you want to so just do it." She shook her head.
"You don't even understand why I'm upset!"
"Then tell me and I'll see if I understand!" She sighed and pulled him into an empty room next to them. Ron was walking at a slow pace and she grabbed a chair for him to sit in. She took another and sat across from him.
"You really should have stayed in bed you know."
"Right, after you walk out close to crying I'm supposed to just sit in bed?"
"Fine." She looked down for a moment to collect her thoughts. He watched her expectantly. She sighed and met his eyes. She couldn't seem to begin. She swallowed as she felt tears come to her eyes again.
"Hermione, please don't cry. I hate that I've made you cry so many times over a stupid fight," he said sadly. She took in a shaky breath.
"I just hate watching you get hurt," she began as a few tears left her eyes. "Do you know how awful it is to see someone you love be beaten up? It's horrible Ron! There are just so many things happening right now and you have to go and start a fistfight with Malfoy! Honestly, can't you just ignore him and move on? He bothers you to get a reaction and then you get in trouble! He would have gotten detention for knocking Harry off anyway so why did you have to jump him?" Ron didn't want to repeat Malfoy's words about her and Ginny but she wanted a reply. He sighed and stared at her shoes.
"He asked if you were a good shag and said if you weren't a mu.you know, he might give you a go." She pursed her lips.
"All right, that was inappropriate but it didn't give you the right to do that to him."
"But there's more. He asked if I thought Harry and Ginny were.because he says Harry looks at her in that way and Ginny wouldn't protest because poverty can do that to a girl. He made fun of me too but I could have handled that if he hadn't said the other stuff." Hermione shook her head.
"I can't believe he said that! That's really awful of him!"
"See, that's why I did it!"
"Ok, I understand you were mad at him but I wish you hadn't fought him again. You've been injured so much this year, it's hard for me to handle. But it isn't just that you got hurt, but think of what else you've done. You aren't a prefect anymore. You've lost that right and it could have lost you your chance at being Head Boy next year."
"Hermione, that really isn't that important to me."
"I know, but think of who it was important to." He wrinkled his eyebrows.
"You?" he answered uncertainly. She sighed and shook her head.
"No, your parents! Do you remember how proud your mother was when she found out you were a prefect? Do you remember the look on her face? Now imagine her face when they find out what happened." Ron stared at the floor. He suddenly felt guilty for losing his spot as prefect.
"I suppose I didn't think of that."
"No, you didn't. I know you thought it was stupid and the twins made fun of you but the rest of us were really proud of you. We knew you could do it and you were a good person for the job. But it's gone now."
"Yeah.," he said lamely.
"But do you want to know what upset me most?" she whispered. He nodded.
"I am terrified now that the Death Eaters are out." She sniffed. "I'm so worried that something's going to happen to Harry or any of us. What if Malfoy tells his dad about all the trouble you've gotten him into this year? Lucious Malfoy is out now, Ron. Draco knows it and would get you in serious trouble without question. We don't know how long Voldemort and the Death Eaters will wait to strike. But they will strike. I know they will. I just can't bear to think of what they'll do." She sobbed and put her hands over her face. Ron opened his mouth but couldn't think of anything comforting to say. He moved forward and wrapped his arms around her. She cried into his shoulder and he ran his hand through her hair.
"I'm sorry Hermione. I promise, no more fighting. I'm done." She looked at him.
"You promise? You won't do anything to Malfoy?" He nodded.
"I promise." She seemed very relieved and hugged him again.
"So why did you stay with me when you were mad?" Ron asked.
"Because, I was just happy you were alright. I can be upset with you and still want to be around you. I love you, even when I'm mad."
"Oh, well I'm glad you'll lay with me when you're pissed off."
"Yes, aren't you lucky."
"Very."
"Let me take you back to the Hospital wing," she said softly. "You need to rest. I shouldn't have let you leave."
"Really Love, I'm fine." She just shook her head and stood up. She took his hand and helped him stand. He put his arm around her shoulder and she wrapped hers around his waist. They headed back to his bed where they were surprised to find Ginny asleep in Harry's bed. Harry had almost fallen asleep but opened his eyes when the pair entered. He smiled at them. Ron pursed his lips at Ginny sleeping with him but couldn't really protest since Hermione had lain with him earlier. Ron climbed back into his bed.
"Do you need anything?" Hermione asked as she smoothed his hair away from his face. He thought a moment and his stomach gave a low rumble. He forgot that he had missed lunch. Hermione laughed.
"I suppose that answers my question. I'll go get some food for us. Harry?"
"If you can," he answered.
"Be right back," she said and pecked Ron on the lips. He relaxed into his bed and looked over at Malfoy, who was currently snoring. There was something he could tease him about. 'Damn,' he thought. 'I promised I would leave him alone.'
"So is everything okay with you two?" Harry asked. Ron nodded.
"But I can't fight, make fun of, or bother Malfoy any more. Hermione's worried he'll say something to his dad about it and something'll happen to me. I've made her cry so much so I just gave in." Harry chuckled.
"So you can't make fun of his snoring? That's a shame." Ron grinned and nodded in agreement. Madam Pomfrey walked in a moment later.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, you're awake. Ahem, please wake Miss Weasley and kindly ask her to get out of your bed." Harry gently prodded her and she opened her eyes. She saw the stern look on Madam Pomfrey's face and quickly sat in her chair. The nurse nodded.
"Good, now how do you feel Mr. Potter?" Harry told her and she checked him over. She looked at Ron and made her way over to Malfoy. Hermione came back in followed by Seamus, Dean, and Neville. They had a few plates between them and set them down on Ron and Harry's bedside tables.
"Hey mates, how's it going?" Seamus asked and pulled up a chair. "Good game. And nice fight Ron," he chuckled, grinning broadly. Hermione glared at him and the smile left his face. He looked at Ron as seriously as he could and said, "I mean Ron! What were you thinking? I'm very disappointed in you!" Ron laughed and Seamus glanced at Hermione. She had a small grin on her face.
"That's better," she told him.
"So how're you doing Harry? I see you're alive after your fall," Dean said. Everyone laughed.
"Expected me to die, eh?" Harry chuckled.
"And you Ron?" Dean asked.
"Never better," he answered. Hermione scoffed.
"Fur ball?" Seamus asked her.
"Oh shut up!" she exclaimed laughing. Seamus leaned back in his chair and looked around. He spotted Malfoy in the corner. After all their commotion he was awake and reading a magazine. Seamus turned back around and grinned at Ron.
"He looks awful!" Ron nodded and bit happily into his fourth chicken leg.
They spent the rest of the afternoon and evening eating, laughing, and talking. They were later joined by Lavender who was looking for Seamus, and Parvati. None of them went to dinner since they had brought up so much food. Madam Pomfrey came in at nine and announced it was time for the visitors to leave. The boys rounded up the plates and told the others good- bye. Ginny kissed Harry on the lips and waved at Ron as she walked out. Hermione had been sitting next to Ron during the afternoon and leaned in to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek a few times. She rubbed his back and whispered, "I love you," in his ear.
"I love you too," he replied. She stood up and moved over to Harry to kiss his cheek.
"I'll be back in the morning," she told them and left the room. Ron felt exhausted and quickly fell asleep. Harry was tired of being on his back but it hurt too much to move. He finally fell into an uncomfortable slumber. Madam Pomfrey checked in a few minutes later to make sure everyone was gone and extinguished the last few candles.
Author's Note: Not as eventful as the last chapter but oh well! If anything sounded weird or came out strange it's because I don't have time to reread this. All right, next few chapters will be happier. I know this one and last one were a little angsty so I'll avoid that for a bit and get back to romance and humor. Ok, responses for all of my beloved reviewers! Oh! I forgot! hp/charmed obsessed needs reviews so read her story! It's called The Truth Revealed and is in my favorites. Don't tell her she needs to edit it because she already knows. Ok, now individuals!
KrisKG: Thanks for another long review! I'm glad you liked the chapter! I don't know what Pansy sees in him either, lol. I agree, get rid of the Slytherins! Send them to Krum's old school so we don't have to deal with them! Hope you like what I did with this chapter. How was Hermione's reaction?
Duckymander: Thank you! Glad you liked it! I hoped my Quidditch game wasn't bad! Lol! Yep, just like Malfoy. Taunt people and lose! You're so nice! I do try to make this realistic. I can't see how Hermione could think it was a stupid thing to get detention over since she's such a rule keeper but I have read Hermione's like that. You're right, Ginny is sort of like James. Good analogy! Thanks for all the compliments! I love it! Yes, this is the same year as before (sixth). It starts off right after they leave the Burrow to go back to school. I'm not doing a seventh year for this fic. I'll probably do an after Hogwarts fic that goes along with this story and it's events. Anyway, thank you so much!
Lissa: You're totally right, Ron deserves a chance to hit him! Lol, thanks, glad you liked it!
Potterweasley: Thank you! I'm glad you understand what you mean. I'll read sixth and seventh year fics, it doesn't matter to me as long as they're good and not horribly OOC. I'm happy you liked my Quidditch scene! I really tried to make it enjoyable to read. Yeah, I've read stories where Malfoy is suddenly on the good side too but I really don't see that happening. I thought about making him good at the end of this fic but it wouldn't make any sense at all in this story. And I've got the Cho/Harry/Ginny fight thing planned out and I think people will like it. Cho will still be nice, not suddenly evil, but something'll happen between them. Ok, bye!
Sexy seeker: I'm glad Ron got to fight him too! Yes, Hermione was mad at him but she was also worried about him so she wanted to be with him, despite her anger. I forgot to add that but remembered when I reread your review! I promise I will get in some extra Harry and Ginny! Lol! Next chapter! More H/G!
ElmoRock3113: I know, Malfoy sucks! Thank you very much!
Shortywithbrains: Thanks! It'll be a couple chapters before the Harry/Giny fight but it won't be a devastating argument or anything. They will make up! I know it's weird but they haven't argued at all and I think it's about time they did. I like my part in Nutcracker pretty well but I have some other issues with it. Long story but I'm still having fun!
Line-from Denmark: Thank you!
Joots: Thanks! Glad you liked it so much! I don't know what I'll do about Ron being a prefect; I'll have to think about it. It's possible I'll be able to get another chapter up Monday. That would be a really fast update!
MioneRon16: Thank you! This was probably my favorite chapter. I felt like I wrote it the best. I'll update as soon as I can!
Mione Weasley: Lol! You're so funny! I'm glad you liked it so much! I think it's one of the best chapters I've done. I know the shag thing was harsh but hey this is Malfoy! I like my nice and sweet Seamus too! I can't imagine him evil! I wanted to develop his character a bit more and make him friendlier towards the main characters. Yes, I know who you are! You're one of my most faithful reviewers! And the author of one my favorite stories! Read you're A/N and am looking forward to your sequel! Yeah, actually, that's sort of how it will go with Cho. She won't be evilly hitting on him though. Ok, bye!
Hp/charmed obsessed: Thanks! Well, you already know I read your fic!
Angelface58: Thank you very much!
Loli-chick336: Thanks a lot! I'm so glad you liked it so much! I think the Harry/Cho thing will be good. It'll come in a few chapters or so.
Cheese Diva: Oh my God! Huge review! Don't worry, I love it! I understand that you were busy but lucky you to have three chapters to read when you got the chance! Glad you liked the hickey! I thought that would be totally hilarious and Ginny having it even better! Yes, Lupin is there! Hooray! Glad you liked my odd new creature. I looked in Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them but didn't want to use any of the creatures in there so I made one up! Plus I wanted Malfoy to use against Harry and none in the book worked. Glad I kept you intrigued in chapter 8! I'm not sure what I'm going to do about Ron's prefect job. Gotta think about it a little. I enjoyed writing my fight since Malfoy was attacked! Yay! Don't worry, be as redundant as you want! But trippin' works too! Lol! And don't worry about the long review! I loved it! And it didn't matter that you did three in one review. Thank you so much!
Winky55: Thanks! I didn't write it but I meant for both his arms to be above his head so he wasn't holing on when the bat hit him. I suppose was a bit unlikely but oh well!
Bellalovesron: I looked but you weren't listed! Are you sure you reviewed because I'm positive I responded to all my reviewers! If you did and I missed it, I'm so sorry! I'm glad you liked the chapter! Thank you!
Bballgirl02: Thanks very much!
RonandHerm4eva: Thank you! I would answer each of your reviews but there are too many! But thanks for reviewing each individually since I didn't on all the chapters of Love Will Find A Way (which I love by the way) but you had so many and I wanted to get caught up as soon as I could! Glad you liked everything! Thanks for reading again!
Thec00lgirl6790: I'm going to answer both of your reviews for six and eight. I'm really surprised you don't know what a hickey is! Wow! Ok, a hickey is a red spot you get on your body after someone has sucked on the area for a little while with their mouth. It's also called a love bite because you usually get one when you're kissing or making out with someone. Does that help? And thanks, glad you liked chapter eight!
David Ken: Thanks, I'm glad you like it. Yeah, Malfoy deserved a good beating and Ron gave it to him but not to the point of death. I need Malfoy for other purposes in the story. By the way, I love Groundhog Day! You've written it so well! I still have more to read though! I need to get caught up!
Ashie: Thank you! It was pretty similar huh? But that isn't a bad thing cuz it's so cute when the lay together, which I why I write it so much. Yes, I'll get some H/G fluff in next chapter, before the fight.
Miss Prongs: Thanks very much!
Lily106: Thank you! Lol, I don't know!