There For You
Chapter 12: Only For You
Author's Note: Ok, I'm finally updating!!! Hooray!!! I know most of you are probably very annoyed with me but I have excuses but I won't go into all of them. So, this is the V-day ball chapter. It sort of slipped my mind that it was for V-day so I forgot to mention that when I wrote the chapter so we're gonna say that V-day is on Monday and I'll include it there, ok? Ok, here we go!
"Aren't you going to eat Parvati?" Lavender asked at breakfast the morning of the ball.
"Yes but not too much. I want to fit nicely into my robes tonight. I can't look fat for Joshua now can I?" Parvati had been asked to the ball by Joshua Carter, a seventh year Gryffindor from the D.A. After this comment, Lavender looked down at her sausage and pushed it away. Seamus rolled his eyes beside her and pushed the plate back.
"Oh finish it. First off, you aren't fat and some sausage won't make you gain five pounds. Second, you better eat lunch too. I can't have you passing out on me while we're dancing tonight." She nodded uncertainly and picked up her fork. Seamus looked over to Parvati eating tiny bites of food and shook his head muttering something about, "mental girls."
"You wouldn't ever do that would you?" Ron asked Hermione. "Not eat so you wouldn't get fat or whatever for me?"
"Of course not," Hermione answered. "I'm fine with my body the way it is and if you weren't happy with me, well, I guess I'd have to break up with you." Ron nodded then stared at her as her words sunk in.
"But you know that I am also fine with your body and always will be because I love you," he said facing her. She laughed and kissed his cheek.
"I know. That's why we're still together. Don't worry. Everything's fine."
"Ok," he exhaled, running his hand through his hair. He turned back to his food and happily bit into his toast. Hermione smiled at him and turned to Harry.
"I hope you hold the same opinion for Ginny."
"Yeah."
"What if we got married, had kids and I got fat?" Ginny asked grinning.
"Then I'd eat a lot of food and get fat too." They laughed and Harry put his arm around Ginny.
"That goes for me too," Ron said.
"Alright, I'll remember that," Hermione answered.
"Ok. So, ready to go?" Hermione nodded and the couple stood. They waved to Ginny and Harry and walked out of the Great Hall.
"Interesting how they're attached to each other all the time," Ginny said. Harry nodded.
"And you know what's funny? She never does homework anymore yet still has top marks in her classes. She's always helping Ron and me with our work," he said.
"Huh. That's strange," Ginny agreed. Neville sat down across form them and pulled over a plate of eggs.
"Hi Neville," Harry said.
"Hello."
"So, did you, er, find a date for tonight?"
"Uh, yeah actually."
"Really, who?" Harry grinned as he waited for the answer.
"Luna Lovegood actually came up and asked me during our D.A. meeting last night," Neville told them. Ginny giggled and Harry looked at him oddly.
"Luna Lovegood?" Harry asked as kindly as possible. Neville nodded.
"Yeah well she seems nice and no one else had agreed to go with me so why not?"
"I think that's great Neville," Ginny said, still feeling like laughing. "Luna's a wonderful girl and I'm sure you'll have a great time with her." Neville grinned.
"I hope so."
* * * *
When Ginny, Harry, and Neville went up to the common room, they found Ron and Hermione playing chess.
"Now if I just think about this logically, I can beat you," Hermione said slowly, staring intently at the board.
"Ha! You need luck not logic when playing with me," Ron laughed.
"You can't win all the time."
"Sure I can."
"Trust me, he can," Ginny said coming behind Hermione.
"No, he'll lose one day," Hermione replied shaking her head.
"Just face it Love, I'm unbeatable. Checkmate." Hermione stared at him with her mouth open. He grinned cheekily and leaned back in his chair, placing his hands behind his head.
"How.but.ugh.how did you do that?" she exclaimed.
"I'm just talented I guess," he answered airily. "Fancy a game Harry?"
"Yeah, sure," he replied, laughing at the look on Hermione's face. She threw her hands in the air and stood up.
"Well good luck Harry but I don't really see the point. He always wins!" She moved to the other side of the table and sat down beside Ron as Harry sat in her open chair. The pair played until lunch and the group went back down to the Great Hall.
"Ron, I was going to ride my broom for awhile. Want to come?" Harry asked when they finished eating lunch.
"Yeah, let's go get them."
"How about you Ginny? And you can watch if you want Hermione," Harry added.
"Actually, we need to start getting ready for tonight," Ginny said.
"Now? The ball starts at eight!" Ron exclaimed.
"Well how do you think we get beautiful? By magic?" She laughed. "It takes time! Right Hermione?" Hermione seemed to be fighting an inner battle.
"Um, well yes we do need time to get ready but couldn't we go to the pitch for awhile and then all come up at the same time?"
"Why?" Ginny asked looking at her curiously. Everyone was staring at her at Hermione strangely, waiting for her to answer. She shrugged and laughed.
"No, no it's fine. Go play outside and we'll go up and get ready."
"You sure?" Ron asked. She nodded quickly and kissed his cheek.
"Have fun," she said and stood up. The girls left the Great Hall, Hermione glancing back at Ron frequently. He gave her a small wave and turned back to Harry when she was gone.
"Mental that one, I'm telling you," Ron chuckled. (From S/S, I know) Harry laughed as they stood up to leave.
* * * *
After a day of flying and hanging out at the pitch, Ron, Harry, Neville, Seamus, and Dean headed back to the Gryffindor Tower around seven. The common room was full of first, second, and third years who couldn't go to the ball. The boys went up to their dorm to shower and get dressed. Ron pulled on his new robes that Fred and George had given him and sat down in front of the mirror. After applying some cologne and brushing his hair, Ron gave himself a final look over. Harry tried to tame his hair but sighed in defeat. His hair had won again.
"Alright, ready to go?" he asked Ron. Ron nodded and opened the door. They were going to meet Hermione and Ginny in the Entrance Hall at a quarter to eight. The common room was swarming with students in various colored robes and special hair styles. Eager to meet their girlfriends, Ron and Harry bee lined for the portrait hole. When they arrived in the Entrance Hall, Hermione and Ginny weren't there yet. Neville was standing to the side with Luna. She wore robes of bright purple and her long, blonde hair hung straight down her back. She was doing all the talking and Neville seemed confused. Lavender and Seamus were holding hands and talking to Parvati and Joshua with Dean and Padma Patil. Parvati was quite obviously flirting and constantly touching Joshua's arm and shoulder. He didn't seem to mind.
"Um, hi Harry," a voice said behind him. Knowing full well whom it was, he turned to return her greeting but stopped at the actual sight of her. She smiled shyly up at him and he coughed.
"Oh, hi Cho. You, uh, you.you look very nice." It was true. She wore navy blue robes and her dark hair was pulled up into a stylish bun, a single piece of curled hair hung by her face.
"Thank you," she replied, nervousness in her voice. "So do you." Harry scoffed and shook his head. She fingered the curl at her cheek.
"I was wondering if perhaps, well, if maybe you could.if you could save me a dance," she said, looking down at his shoes.
"Oh well no, see Ginny is my girlfriend and I have to dance with her," he answered. She nodded. "Besides, wouldn't that bother your date?"
"Well no. I don't have one." He looked at her surprised.
"What do you mean? No one asked you?"
"Oh yes, I was asked but I only wanted to go with one person and," she twisted her curl harder, glancing up at his face, "he was already taken." Harry's eyes widened, looking like he would have spit out a drink if he had one. Ron laughed out loud, quickly covering it by coughing.
"Sorry Cho but I have to go!" Harry said and stepped around her towards Ginny who was coming down the stairs. He met her at the bottom and took her in his arms, kissing her deeply. As he set her down, she stared up at him, her mouth hanging open in shock.
"Wow Harry," She said licking her lips. "I'm happy to see you too." He looked at her for a moment taking in her soft, red robes and wavy hair hanging perfectly around her shoulders. He smiled and hugged her again
"You look gorgeous," he told her. "I'm the luckiest guy here." She kissed his cheek and rubbed his back.
"I know you are." They laughed. "Just kidding. You look gorgeous too."
"Thanks."
"And I love what you did with your hair." He touched a piece and nodded. "I know, this uncombed look is perfect for me."
Ron didn't want to bother Harry and Ginny so he stayed where he was, arms crossed since he lacked pockets. A few people had waved to him as they passed and he would nod in their direction, anxious for Hermione to come. After what seemed like an eternity (actually like two minutes), she finally came. He bent down to tie his shoe and looked up as she stopped at the top of the stairs to feel her hair. At the sight of her, Ron slowly stood, never taking his eyes off. Searching the room for him, Hermione carefully made her way down the stairs. When she spotted him, she smiled and waved as he continued to stare at her open mouthed. Boys' heads turned as she passed by them, eyes locked with Ron's.
"Hi," she said when she reached him. Swallowing slowly, he ran his hand through his hair and took a breath.
"Uh.I.you.you.huh.you look." but he couldn't put together a sentence. She chuckled and took his hand.
"Only for you, Ron Weasley, only for you." (She isn't being conceited but she knows she looks good and Ron can't speak so that says a lot too. She wanted to look good for him. So she means she would only look like that for him.)
"Huh.how did you do that?" he finally said, indicating her hair. It wasn't bushy or straight but in normal curls, pulled up to the middle of her head and held up by bobby pins, with curls hanging around her neck and a few around her face. She shrugged.
"Ginny's a miracle worker." He gently moved a curl by her eye.
"You just look so beautiful," he managed to say. Her lavender robes looked stunning with her hair and the natural makeup Ginny had applied for her. Lightly kissing his lips, she moved closer to him and he gladly wrapped his arms around her.
"Ready to dance?" she asked teasingly. His eyes widened.
"No, I forgot about that." She stepped back slightly to look at him, their arms still around each other.
"Come on Ron, it'll be fun."
"Yeah, sure," he scoffed.
"For me?" she said sweetly, imitating his puppy dogface. He raised his eyebrows.
"Is that what I look like?" He laughed. "No wonder you always give in to me." He lifted her chin and kissed her again; letting his lips linger as long as possible. Unfortunately, the doors of the Great Hall opened up a moment later. Professor McGonagall stood before them with her arm outstretched to the decorated room. Red, white, and pink streamers hung all around the room. Red hearts and white candles floated above their heads. Long tables covered with lace cloths sat against the walls holding punch, pumpkin juice, butterbeer, and various candies and snacks. The students found their partners and entered the hall, eyes looking around the festive room. A few pointed out the band in the corner sitting on a small, slightly raised stage. An instrument case at the front read, "The Silver Dragons" (my attempt at a magical band name). At the arrival of the students, The Silver dragons began playing a quick and upbeat song. Many immediately began dancing. Hermione looked up at Ron.
"Want to dance?" she asked. He looked out at everyone bouncing and moving around and shook his head.
"Um no, I'm thirsty. Let's get something to drink." Hermione sighed as Ron led her to a table and grabbed two butterbeers.
"Why are you so afraid to dance?" He handed her a drink and took a long gulp of his. She stared at him expectantly.
"I'm not, I just needed a drink." Hermione shrugged and took his hand.
"Alright, you've had a drink. Now we can dance." She started toward the floor but he stopped.
"Hey look! There's Neville and Luna! Let's go say hello." Shaking her head, Hermione grabbed his other hand and pulled him the rest of the way. He swallowed nervously and looked around for something to distract her. They stopped and she let go of him. She began to dance while he stood awkwardly in front of her. She raised her eyebrows.
"Come on Ron, dance!" He shook his head and looked up at the ceiling. She grabbed his forearms, moving them back and forth, continuing to dance.
"Now just move your feet and you'll be dancing!" He shifted his legs slightly but stopped abruptly when he felt his hips move.
"No, I feel stupid. I'll just go eat something and you can keep going." He started to walk away but she pulled him back. The fast music ended and a slow song began. Partners moved together and took hold of each other.
"Now this'll be easy," Hermione said. "We can do this two ways. This way." She put his right hand on her hip and his other in her hand away from their bodies. "Or this way." She placed his other hand on her hip and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
"I like this way better," he told her, making her smile.
"Me too," she whispered. She moved her body side to side and Ron followed her.
"I suppose this isn't so bad," he said pulling her closer. She rested her head on his chest, tightening her hold around his neck. He kissed the top of her head and she exhaled happily.
Ginny and Harry were dancing together across the room, swaying gently in each other's arms. She kissed him lightly and he smiled at her.
"This is much better than the Yule Ball," she said. He nodded.
"Yep, I'm here with my girlfriend instead of sitting with Ron as he fumed over Hermione with Krum," he laughed. She looked over to the pair and grinned.
"Yes, this is a much better situation."
Harry looked up slightly and noticed Cho watching him. Their eyes met and she shifted her focus to the floor. He swallowed uncomfortably and looked back at Ginny. She kissed him again and touched her forehead to his, closing her eyes. Glancing back at Cho he found that she had taken a seat in one of the many red silk chairs next to a snack table, looking close to tears. Harry sighed and averted his eyes.
When the slow song ended, Hermione continued trying to get Ron to dance.
"Just move to the music Ron," she said. "Move to the beat of the song." He slowly started to move in time with The Silver Dragons and Hermione grinned successfully. He sheepishly smiled back. Just as Ron was getting the hang of it, someone interrupted him.
"You call that dancing, Weasley?" Malfoy laughed, leaning against the wall, punch in hand. Hermione glared at him. Malfoy's comment seemed to hurt Ron's confidence, making him slow down.
"Don't listen to him, Ron," Hermione said comfortingly. "You're doing wonderful." Malfoy sniggered loudly.
"Wonderful? I suppose if looking like a mentally challenged three- year-old makes you wonderful, you get first prize." Ron stopped and walked towards him.
"You better shut your mouth or you may find that punch cup up your," Hermione grabbed his arm.
"Ron you promised," she hissed. Ron exhaled angrily and hed her across the room, far away from Malfoy. He wasn't in the mood to dance anymore.
"Let's go eat something," he growled. She sighed sadly and followed him to a snack table. He snatched up a roll and roughly bit into it as he sat in a chair. She took a seat beside him, staring out at the other dancing couples.
Nearby, Luna and Neville were sitting together munching on biscuits (cookies) while Neville listened to her talk.
"Father and I didn't find the Crumple-Horned Snorkack (I'm not sure if this is spelled right but I looked for a minutes and couldn't find it so I'll look later and fix it if its wrong, or if someone does know the correct spelling let me know) this summer but we do think we spotted a Doubled Beaked Corple," she said looking at him though her eyes seemed unfocused.
"A what?" he asked.
"It's a very tiny bird with two beaks, one blue and one orange. It can give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and mobility to those who are paralyzed. If you touch the blue beak, you get one wish, anything you want. The orange beak will transport you to any location you desire. I want to touch the blue beak."
"What would you wish for?"
"I would bring my mother back," she answered without hesitation or sadness. He nodded knowingly. "But they're terribly hard to catch and only show themselves during the summer. What would you wish for?"
He knew perfectly well what he wanted but didn't feel comfortable telling her. The only students that about his parents condition had found out by accident.
"I don't know," he answered.
"Ok," she replied. "Another biscuit?" He gladly accepted it, relieved she hadn't pressed him on the subject.
* * * *
A couple hours into the ball, Harry excused himself to the loo. Ginny went to talk to Ron and Hermione who were still sitting by the side, Ron drinking his third butterbeer.
"Hi," Ginny said. Hermione gave her a small smile and ron grunted at her.
"Having fun?" Ginny asked uncertainly, curious to why they looked so unhappy. Ron shrugged.
"I'm not," Hermione answered. Ron looked at her.
"Oh and what would you like to do?"
"I want to dance Ron!" she exclaimed. "I want us to enjoy ourselves! You need to stop taking everything Malfoy says so seriously! You were doing so well but as soon as he says something you stop! Whose word do you believe more? Mine or his?"
"What did Malfoy say?" Ginny asked. They ignored her.
"It isn't that I don't believe you, it's that I didn't feel like I was doing it right and felt stupid," Ron told Hermione.
"There isn't a 'right' way to dance. It's just moving around to music like I told you and what you were doing!"
"You finally got Ron to dance?" Ginny asked, surprised. "Fast dancing?" Again, her question was left unanswered.
"Why do we have to dance?" he asked.
"Because it's fun! It was so enjoyable at the Yule Ball!" Ron nodded in understanding.
"I see!" he said pointing at her. "That's what this is about!"
"What?" she asked.
"Vicky! This is about how Vicky would dance with you! You're saying he was a better boyfriend than I am!" She stared at him like he had grown an extra head.
"That's not what this is about! Well, yes he did dance with me but I just had fun dancing! It wasn't that I was with him and he was a good boyfriend because he was never my boyfriend! I wanted to dance with you at the Yule Ball but you were stupid and didn't ask me! Now that I have you, I want to dance with you!"
"Fine! Let's go!" Ron exclaimed, jumping up. Hermione stood quickly and followed him to the dance floor where he ahd begun dancing like a mad man. Ginny watched them and shook her head.
"Complete nutters," she muttered but smiled at them. Ron was actually doing well. Ginny took a glass of pumpkin juice and waited for Harry to return.
Harry walked out of the lavatory to find Cho standing outside of it. She turned around at the sound of his shoes and he stopped abruptly.
"What are you doing Cho?"
"I wanted to talk to you."
"Uh, I have to get back to Ginny," he said apprehensively, moving away from her. She took hold of his arm and stopped him.
"Just wait, okay?" He looked around but no one was near. He nodded and she released him. Cho bit her lip and took a breath. Harry watched as her eyes began to water and he rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably.
"I know I was horrible last year," she started. "I was confused and selfish and sad. I wasn't sure how I felt about you except that I liked you. But I had also liked Cedric and it felt like I was betraying him by going out with you. Then Michael came along and I didn't really like him so I felt less guilt at a relationship with him. Not that it was any different. He was all right but I couldn't stay with him long. I found myself thinking about you constantly, wondering how you felt about me, how you were doing. I know I should have said something to you at the beginning of the year or even owled you over the summer but I was afraid you would reject me. I suppose I'll never know now that I waited so long. Maybe then you wouldn't be with Ginny." She wiped the tears off her face. Harry was speechless. He had no idea she felt that way.
"I really care about you, Harry."
"Look, Cho."
"Harry I just need to try one thing," she interrupted him softly. "I know we did it once before but." She moved closer to him and before he could react, her lips were on his. She laid her hand on his shoulder and tilted her head to the left, opening her lips a bit more. They parted and she watched him expectantly. He opened his eyes and looked down at her.
"Well?" she asked.
"I love Ginny," he told her. "We can be friends, that's all." She sighed and shook her head.
"No, I couldn't just be your friend. I want more than that from you so I guess this is it." She kissed his cheek and walked away. After she left, Harry groaned and rubbed his face roughly. He looked around; glad to see no one was there to watch that. Or so he thought.
He reentered the Great Hall and searched for Ginny. She was sitting next to a table munching on a biscuit. He hurried over to her and sat down.
"What took you so long?" she asked.
"Oh," he quickly thought of a lie. "Ran into Dean and Seamus for a bit and lost track of time."
"Oh," she said. "Want to dance again?" He nodded and they went back to the floor. He wondered if he should tell her about Cho but decided not to at the moment. No point in ruining the ball.
Ron and Hermione did four dances in a row. Panting, they made their way to a table and got some pumpkin juice.
"See, wasn't that fun?" she asked, out of breath. He nodded and took a large swig of his drink.
"But now I'm exhausted," he breathed.
"Me too."
"Why don't we go up to Gryffindor Tower?" he asked. "Unless you want to stay until the end." She shook her head.
"No, let's go." He laced his hand in hers and they walked out of the hall and up the stairs. The common room was empty when they reached it.
"I uh, need to use the loo," he said. "You can come up if you want. Not to the loo but you could wait in the dorm room."
"Alright." Ron ran up the stairs and Hermione followed behind him. She slowly sat down on his bed as he shut the lavatory door. He came out a few minutes later and sat beside her.
"Sorry but I drank a lot tonight," he said. She laughed and nodded in understanding.
"It's okay."
"So.this is our room," Ron said.
"Yep." Ron looked around the room, the realization that Hermione was sitting on his bed making him slightly nervous.
"Did you have fun tonight?" she asked.
"Yeah. Dancing isn't so bad I suppose. I especially liked slow dancing." He grinned and she laughed.
"Me too." They sat in silence.
"I miss having Quidditch practice," he said finally.
"Oh, yes. But that way we can spend more time together," she replied. He thought for a moment.
"Yeah, we've spent a lot of time together lately." She nodded.
"You seem to always want to be around me," he added. She stared at the floor uncomfortably. "Why is that?" She shrugged.
"Why shouldn't we spend time together?"
"That's not what I mean. Even Harry noticed it. You're almost always with me except when I sleep. You don't do homework but get good grades. You don't go to the library anymore. You love the library. How are you getting good marks, helping me with homework, and spending all your time with me?"
"Don't worry about it," she said softly.
"Hermione."
"Ron." He groaned.
"Just tell me. Something's going on." She sighed and folded her hands.
"I wake up before you and do my work in the library while everyone else is asleep. Then I go back to my room when everyone wakes up and I meet you downstairs. I spend the day with you and help you and Harry with your schoolwork. Then when you come up here for bed, if I have time, I work on an assignment. I go to sleep and wake up early again." He stared at her dumbfounded.
"Why?"
"Because I want to spend as much time with you as possible."
"Okay, but I see you at meals, in class, and pretty much all weekend. You could still do your work in the afternoon and evening when you need to. You don't have to help me with everything. I mean, I like when you do but I can handle it on my own."
"It's okay, Ron, I want to do this."
"But why? It doesn't make sense. Why do you all of a sudden want to spend every second with me?" She swallowed and looked at him.
"Because I'm scared of losing you."
"Losing me?" She groaned and faced him.
"Ron, the Death Eaters are out, Voldemort's back, Malfoy hates us, you keep getting beat up, I'm just worried."
"But just because you're with me doesn't mean nothing can happen to me."
"But if I'm with you I can stop you fighting with Malfoy and protect you from anything that endangers you." He laughed.
"Hermione, I'm the one that is supposed to protect you!"
"I can protect you too!" He shook his head, slightly amused.
"Look Love, Malfoy will always be a problem. There's nothing we can do about that. But Death Eaters and Vol.You-Know-Who aren't just going to pop in here and kill me. That's crazy!"
"No, I don't expect that to happen. But what if I left you alone and you were hurt or," she swallowed, "worse? I would never be able to forgive myself. I just want to know that I was with you whenever I could and did everything in my power to help or save you." He ran a hand through his hair.
"I don't know what to say to you other than don't think that way. You can't suspect the worst all the time or you'll go insane. And if you spend every second with me, we'll eventually drive each other mad. It's been fine so far but how long will that last? Everyone needs time apart, Love. Not just for sleep. I love being with you but we can't all the time, okay? Besides, how are you doing all your homework in the moring and at night and getting enough sleep?"
"I'm managing," she said softly. He shook his head and pulled her into his arms.
"I learned how to make coffee with my wand," she added.
"Well, no more of it," he told her. "Tomorrow, we aren't spending the entire day together."
"But."
"No but's Hermione. We're going to do something separate." She pursed her lips. He kissed them. "Don't give me that look." He kissed her again. She relaxed her face and sighed.
"Fine, you win."
"Ha ha! I win!" She laughed and pushed him lightly. He slowly moved his hands toward her stomach and started tickling her. She squirmed and laughed loudly.
"No, Ron, stop!" She squealed. "Stop!" She landed back on his bed and his hands relaxed. He looked into her eyes and a silent agreement passed between them. She stroked his cheek as he leaned closer to her. Capturing her lips in his, he held her neck as she laid her hands on his waist. Giving each other short but passionate kisses, they shifted themselves up toward the head of the bed and Hermione laid her head on his pillow. Both feeling nervous yet excited, Hermione helped Ron pull off his robes, tossing them on the floor. He moved from her lips to her neck and she sighed with satisfaction. He helped remove her lavender robes and shook them off his arm as she began unbuttoning his shirt. Suddenly, they heard voices on the stairs outside and Ron jumped off the bed. He threw her robes at her and hurriedly yanked his on before running a hand threw his hair. She sat up to redress herself and smoothed out her bun.
The door opened a second later and Harry, Seamus, and dean walked in. Harry stopped when he saw his best friends in the room causing the other two to stop, Seamus almost running into him. Ron crossed, uncrossed, and recrossed his arms, trying to act nonchalant and failing miserably. The three boys looked from him to Hermione curiously.
"Um Ron, there's a Hermione on your bed," Harry said, walking further into the room, allowing Dean and Seamus to fully enter.
"Really Harry? I hadn't noticed," Ron answered sarcastically, his voice higher than usual. Hermione cleared her throat uncomfortably.
"Well, good night boys," she said, her face red to beat Ron's. She quickly kissed Ron's cheek and hurried out of the room. Seamus and Dean burst out laughing as Ron exhaled loudly and flopped onto his bed. Harry snorted and walked to his trunk.
"Sorry 'bout that, Ron," he chuckled. "Didn't know you'd have company." Ron was red as a tomato.
"Nothing happened," he said, unbelievably.
"Sure, mate, sure," Seamus said. "You're redder than your hair and you've got lipstick all over your mouth. Plus," he snorted, "Your robes are on backwards!" This sent the three boys into gales of laughter as Ron sat up and stared horrified at his clothes.
"Oh shit," he muttered. Harry, Dean, and Seamus continued to laugh while Ron changed into his pajamas.
"So you got close, huh?" Seamus asked. Ron shrugged, staring at his trunk. "How close are we talking?"
"None of your business," Ron said replied. Seamus chuckled.
"See anything?" Ron shook his head, glancing at Seamus, his lip slightly turned up.
"You bloody fools interrupted me!" Dean looked like he was going to pass out from lack of oxygen. Seamus patted him on the back.
"Truly sorry Ron. If I'd known, we'd have stayed out of the way. I'm actually surprised Hermione was going to let you." Ron nodded.
"Don't worry though," Dean said once he regained his composure. "We won't tell anyone that the Gryffindor prefects got a bit.steamy in the boy's dorm. Well, one prefect since you aren't one anymore." Ron shrugged, a smile on his face.
"Shut up," he said, mock angry.
"That reminds me," Harry said. "Did your parents find out that you aren't a prefect anymore?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Well I was sure you would've gotten a Howler."
"I did."
Harry wrinkled his forehead. "I never saw it."
"I know, Errol delivered it here while I was changing instead of at breakfast. No one else heard it but me. There's an advantage to having an old and stupid owl." Harry laughed.
"Lucky for you." Ron nodded and lay on his bed. Neville walked in a moment later, cheeks flushed and a silly grin on his face.
"Hi Neville," Harry said.
"Hello."
"Alright Neville?" Seamus asked. He nodded, still smiling and sat on his bed.
"She kissed you didn't she?" Seamus chuckled. Neville blushed again and nodded slightly.
"I guess we all got some action tonight, eh Harry?" Seamus lightly elbowed him and Harry jumped.
"What do you mean?" Seamus eyed him strangely.
"Didn't you kiss Ginny?" Harry exhaled, relieved. He thought Seamus had seen him and Cho.
"Oh yeah."
"What did you think I meant?"
"Nothing." Seamus shrugged.
"Ok, so Harry kissed Ginny, I kissed Lavender, Neville kissed Luna, Dean kissed Padma, and Ron kissed, er a bit more than kissed," Ron threw a pillow at him but he ducked causing it to run into Harry, "Hermione. We should be called the Gryffindor Studs! (Is that a British word? I've no idea)." Ron laughed loudly and Neville continued to blush.
The boys were all in their beds by one. Ron was laying there thinking about Hermione when Harry's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Ron?"
"Yeah Harry."
"What if something happened and it's bad and it'll make someone mad if you tell them but also mad if you don't and you think you should but aren't sure if you should now or wait until later or never?" Ron wrinkled his forehead.
"What?" Harry sighed.
"Nevermind."
"Um, okay mate. 'Night."
"'Night."
"'Night Gryffindor Studs!" Seamus called. Ron laughed out loud again.
Author's Note: Ok, that's the real end of the chapter. For those of you who didn't know, I posted the first part of this chapter then little bits at a time until it was finished. So, how did everyone like it? Some may be wondering about the H/G fight and don't worry, it'll be in next chapter. I decided to change my plan a bit so it didn't happen yet. You'll know who saw them next chapter too. It's not whom you would think, that's all I'm saying for now. I'll hopefully have the next one up on Thursday cuz I don't have school so I'll type it Wednesday night. Anyway, if you didn't like something in this chapter, that's okay, you can tell me. I wasn't sure about putting in a few things, mainly the R/H almost sex thing but I decided to do it anyway. Anyone object? All right, sorry this took so horrendously long to put up but I did my best. Thank you all for being so patient! I love you guys!!! Whoa this was 22 pages on word!! Holy monkeys!
Individuals: (chapter 11, chapter 12 ones from parts of this chapter will be in next chapter to stay consistent)
sexy seeker: I know, if only all boys were like that! Hope you had a nice holiday! Mine was alright, thanks for asking.
bellalovesron: Lol, which name do you prefer? Cuz I don't care, I know you either way! Anyway, thank you! I already talked to you about your fic and the voldemort mixing so I won't go into that. I'm glad the tension worked. And yes, you know I love long reviews! i had a good x-mas and yes, santa came! Lol, hope your holiday was good!
Firesensation18: Wow, you read all of that fast! But then, you were on vacation so I suppose that's not that surprising. ANyway, thanks for reading! I'm glad you like it! Sorry, but I did bring in the Cho issue. I don't think it will play any part in the future HP books but its been fun and interesting to write about. Hope you continue to read even though I did that.
Cheese Diva: You totally rock! You always give me these huge, wonderful reviews that I love to death! Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to do that! Thats so awesome you went to Trinidad and the Carib! It must have been incredible! Yeah, so thank you! I'm glad you understod what Harry was feeling. I loved writing the Room of requirement scene! But the road'll be a little bumpy after this. Hope you liked the ball chapter! Use the axe? Lol. So have you seen Return of the King yet? I saw it again over break with my uncle and his new girlfriend. Except I was really tired for some reason and fell asleep in the middle! Oh well, I saw the end and thats the most important part! Though that sort of review would be really cool and flattering for me, you don't need to go through the trouble. Just having you review is great! Thanks again!
hp/charmed obsesed: Thanks! Yep, I read the update and your other fic! Sorry it took so long for me to update!
HermioneClone: Thank you very much! Sorry I took so long updating!
Line-from Denmark: Thanks! Don't worry about it. I've been busy too! Hope you liked the dance! Thanks for supporting me about time to write, I appreciate it!
Mione Weasley: Don't worry about it. Lol, new years resolutions are so hard to keep, especially when it comes to fanfic. Take your time on the chapter. I mean I want to read it but don't rush it. So glad you liked last chapter and hope you liked this one!
KrisKG: That's so awesome! Thanks, glad you liked.
Chapter 12: Only For You
Author's Note: Ok, I'm finally updating!!! Hooray!!! I know most of you are probably very annoyed with me but I have excuses but I won't go into all of them. So, this is the V-day ball chapter. It sort of slipped my mind that it was for V-day so I forgot to mention that when I wrote the chapter so we're gonna say that V-day is on Monday and I'll include it there, ok? Ok, here we go!
"Aren't you going to eat Parvati?" Lavender asked at breakfast the morning of the ball.
"Yes but not too much. I want to fit nicely into my robes tonight. I can't look fat for Joshua now can I?" Parvati had been asked to the ball by Joshua Carter, a seventh year Gryffindor from the D.A. After this comment, Lavender looked down at her sausage and pushed it away. Seamus rolled his eyes beside her and pushed the plate back.
"Oh finish it. First off, you aren't fat and some sausage won't make you gain five pounds. Second, you better eat lunch too. I can't have you passing out on me while we're dancing tonight." She nodded uncertainly and picked up her fork. Seamus looked over to Parvati eating tiny bites of food and shook his head muttering something about, "mental girls."
"You wouldn't ever do that would you?" Ron asked Hermione. "Not eat so you wouldn't get fat or whatever for me?"
"Of course not," Hermione answered. "I'm fine with my body the way it is and if you weren't happy with me, well, I guess I'd have to break up with you." Ron nodded then stared at her as her words sunk in.
"But you know that I am also fine with your body and always will be because I love you," he said facing her. She laughed and kissed his cheek.
"I know. That's why we're still together. Don't worry. Everything's fine."
"Ok," he exhaled, running his hand through his hair. He turned back to his food and happily bit into his toast. Hermione smiled at him and turned to Harry.
"I hope you hold the same opinion for Ginny."
"Yeah."
"What if we got married, had kids and I got fat?" Ginny asked grinning.
"Then I'd eat a lot of food and get fat too." They laughed and Harry put his arm around Ginny.
"That goes for me too," Ron said.
"Alright, I'll remember that," Hermione answered.
"Ok. So, ready to go?" Hermione nodded and the couple stood. They waved to Ginny and Harry and walked out of the Great Hall.
"Interesting how they're attached to each other all the time," Ginny said. Harry nodded.
"And you know what's funny? She never does homework anymore yet still has top marks in her classes. She's always helping Ron and me with our work," he said.
"Huh. That's strange," Ginny agreed. Neville sat down across form them and pulled over a plate of eggs.
"Hi Neville," Harry said.
"Hello."
"So, did you, er, find a date for tonight?"
"Uh, yeah actually."
"Really, who?" Harry grinned as he waited for the answer.
"Luna Lovegood actually came up and asked me during our D.A. meeting last night," Neville told them. Ginny giggled and Harry looked at him oddly.
"Luna Lovegood?" Harry asked as kindly as possible. Neville nodded.
"Yeah well she seems nice and no one else had agreed to go with me so why not?"
"I think that's great Neville," Ginny said, still feeling like laughing. "Luna's a wonderful girl and I'm sure you'll have a great time with her." Neville grinned.
"I hope so."
* * * *
When Ginny, Harry, and Neville went up to the common room, they found Ron and Hermione playing chess.
"Now if I just think about this logically, I can beat you," Hermione said slowly, staring intently at the board.
"Ha! You need luck not logic when playing with me," Ron laughed.
"You can't win all the time."
"Sure I can."
"Trust me, he can," Ginny said coming behind Hermione.
"No, he'll lose one day," Hermione replied shaking her head.
"Just face it Love, I'm unbeatable. Checkmate." Hermione stared at him with her mouth open. He grinned cheekily and leaned back in his chair, placing his hands behind his head.
"How.but.ugh.how did you do that?" she exclaimed.
"I'm just talented I guess," he answered airily. "Fancy a game Harry?"
"Yeah, sure," he replied, laughing at the look on Hermione's face. She threw her hands in the air and stood up.
"Well good luck Harry but I don't really see the point. He always wins!" She moved to the other side of the table and sat down beside Ron as Harry sat in her open chair. The pair played until lunch and the group went back down to the Great Hall.
"Ron, I was going to ride my broom for awhile. Want to come?" Harry asked when they finished eating lunch.
"Yeah, let's go get them."
"How about you Ginny? And you can watch if you want Hermione," Harry added.
"Actually, we need to start getting ready for tonight," Ginny said.
"Now? The ball starts at eight!" Ron exclaimed.
"Well how do you think we get beautiful? By magic?" She laughed. "It takes time! Right Hermione?" Hermione seemed to be fighting an inner battle.
"Um, well yes we do need time to get ready but couldn't we go to the pitch for awhile and then all come up at the same time?"
"Why?" Ginny asked looking at her curiously. Everyone was staring at her at Hermione strangely, waiting for her to answer. She shrugged and laughed.
"No, no it's fine. Go play outside and we'll go up and get ready."
"You sure?" Ron asked. She nodded quickly and kissed his cheek.
"Have fun," she said and stood up. The girls left the Great Hall, Hermione glancing back at Ron frequently. He gave her a small wave and turned back to Harry when she was gone.
"Mental that one, I'm telling you," Ron chuckled. (From S/S, I know) Harry laughed as they stood up to leave.
* * * *
After a day of flying and hanging out at the pitch, Ron, Harry, Neville, Seamus, and Dean headed back to the Gryffindor Tower around seven. The common room was full of first, second, and third years who couldn't go to the ball. The boys went up to their dorm to shower and get dressed. Ron pulled on his new robes that Fred and George had given him and sat down in front of the mirror. After applying some cologne and brushing his hair, Ron gave himself a final look over. Harry tried to tame his hair but sighed in defeat. His hair had won again.
"Alright, ready to go?" he asked Ron. Ron nodded and opened the door. They were going to meet Hermione and Ginny in the Entrance Hall at a quarter to eight. The common room was swarming with students in various colored robes and special hair styles. Eager to meet their girlfriends, Ron and Harry bee lined for the portrait hole. When they arrived in the Entrance Hall, Hermione and Ginny weren't there yet. Neville was standing to the side with Luna. She wore robes of bright purple and her long, blonde hair hung straight down her back. She was doing all the talking and Neville seemed confused. Lavender and Seamus were holding hands and talking to Parvati and Joshua with Dean and Padma Patil. Parvati was quite obviously flirting and constantly touching Joshua's arm and shoulder. He didn't seem to mind.
"Um, hi Harry," a voice said behind him. Knowing full well whom it was, he turned to return her greeting but stopped at the actual sight of her. She smiled shyly up at him and he coughed.
"Oh, hi Cho. You, uh, you.you look very nice." It was true. She wore navy blue robes and her dark hair was pulled up into a stylish bun, a single piece of curled hair hung by her face.
"Thank you," she replied, nervousness in her voice. "So do you." Harry scoffed and shook his head. She fingered the curl at her cheek.
"I was wondering if perhaps, well, if maybe you could.if you could save me a dance," she said, looking down at his shoes.
"Oh well no, see Ginny is my girlfriend and I have to dance with her," he answered. She nodded. "Besides, wouldn't that bother your date?"
"Well no. I don't have one." He looked at her surprised.
"What do you mean? No one asked you?"
"Oh yes, I was asked but I only wanted to go with one person and," she twisted her curl harder, glancing up at his face, "he was already taken." Harry's eyes widened, looking like he would have spit out a drink if he had one. Ron laughed out loud, quickly covering it by coughing.
"Sorry Cho but I have to go!" Harry said and stepped around her towards Ginny who was coming down the stairs. He met her at the bottom and took her in his arms, kissing her deeply. As he set her down, she stared up at him, her mouth hanging open in shock.
"Wow Harry," She said licking her lips. "I'm happy to see you too." He looked at her for a moment taking in her soft, red robes and wavy hair hanging perfectly around her shoulders. He smiled and hugged her again
"You look gorgeous," he told her. "I'm the luckiest guy here." She kissed his cheek and rubbed his back.
"I know you are." They laughed. "Just kidding. You look gorgeous too."
"Thanks."
"And I love what you did with your hair." He touched a piece and nodded. "I know, this uncombed look is perfect for me."
Ron didn't want to bother Harry and Ginny so he stayed where he was, arms crossed since he lacked pockets. A few people had waved to him as they passed and he would nod in their direction, anxious for Hermione to come. After what seemed like an eternity (actually like two minutes), she finally came. He bent down to tie his shoe and looked up as she stopped at the top of the stairs to feel her hair. At the sight of her, Ron slowly stood, never taking his eyes off. Searching the room for him, Hermione carefully made her way down the stairs. When she spotted him, she smiled and waved as he continued to stare at her open mouthed. Boys' heads turned as she passed by them, eyes locked with Ron's.
"Hi," she said when she reached him. Swallowing slowly, he ran his hand through his hair and took a breath.
"Uh.I.you.you.huh.you look." but he couldn't put together a sentence. She chuckled and took his hand.
"Only for you, Ron Weasley, only for you." (She isn't being conceited but she knows she looks good and Ron can't speak so that says a lot too. She wanted to look good for him. So she means she would only look like that for him.)
"Huh.how did you do that?" he finally said, indicating her hair. It wasn't bushy or straight but in normal curls, pulled up to the middle of her head and held up by bobby pins, with curls hanging around her neck and a few around her face. She shrugged.
"Ginny's a miracle worker." He gently moved a curl by her eye.
"You just look so beautiful," he managed to say. Her lavender robes looked stunning with her hair and the natural makeup Ginny had applied for her. Lightly kissing his lips, she moved closer to him and he gladly wrapped his arms around her.
"Ready to dance?" she asked teasingly. His eyes widened.
"No, I forgot about that." She stepped back slightly to look at him, their arms still around each other.
"Come on Ron, it'll be fun."
"Yeah, sure," he scoffed.
"For me?" she said sweetly, imitating his puppy dogface. He raised his eyebrows.
"Is that what I look like?" He laughed. "No wonder you always give in to me." He lifted her chin and kissed her again; letting his lips linger as long as possible. Unfortunately, the doors of the Great Hall opened up a moment later. Professor McGonagall stood before them with her arm outstretched to the decorated room. Red, white, and pink streamers hung all around the room. Red hearts and white candles floated above their heads. Long tables covered with lace cloths sat against the walls holding punch, pumpkin juice, butterbeer, and various candies and snacks. The students found their partners and entered the hall, eyes looking around the festive room. A few pointed out the band in the corner sitting on a small, slightly raised stage. An instrument case at the front read, "The Silver Dragons" (my attempt at a magical band name). At the arrival of the students, The Silver dragons began playing a quick and upbeat song. Many immediately began dancing. Hermione looked up at Ron.
"Want to dance?" she asked. He looked out at everyone bouncing and moving around and shook his head.
"Um no, I'm thirsty. Let's get something to drink." Hermione sighed as Ron led her to a table and grabbed two butterbeers.
"Why are you so afraid to dance?" He handed her a drink and took a long gulp of his. She stared at him expectantly.
"I'm not, I just needed a drink." Hermione shrugged and took his hand.
"Alright, you've had a drink. Now we can dance." She started toward the floor but he stopped.
"Hey look! There's Neville and Luna! Let's go say hello." Shaking her head, Hermione grabbed his other hand and pulled him the rest of the way. He swallowed nervously and looked around for something to distract her. They stopped and she let go of him. She began to dance while he stood awkwardly in front of her. She raised her eyebrows.
"Come on Ron, dance!" He shook his head and looked up at the ceiling. She grabbed his forearms, moving them back and forth, continuing to dance.
"Now just move your feet and you'll be dancing!" He shifted his legs slightly but stopped abruptly when he felt his hips move.
"No, I feel stupid. I'll just go eat something and you can keep going." He started to walk away but she pulled him back. The fast music ended and a slow song began. Partners moved together and took hold of each other.
"Now this'll be easy," Hermione said. "We can do this two ways. This way." She put his right hand on her hip and his other in her hand away from their bodies. "Or this way." She placed his other hand on her hip and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
"I like this way better," he told her, making her smile.
"Me too," she whispered. She moved her body side to side and Ron followed her.
"I suppose this isn't so bad," he said pulling her closer. She rested her head on his chest, tightening her hold around his neck. He kissed the top of her head and she exhaled happily.
Ginny and Harry were dancing together across the room, swaying gently in each other's arms. She kissed him lightly and he smiled at her.
"This is much better than the Yule Ball," she said. He nodded.
"Yep, I'm here with my girlfriend instead of sitting with Ron as he fumed over Hermione with Krum," he laughed. She looked over to the pair and grinned.
"Yes, this is a much better situation."
Harry looked up slightly and noticed Cho watching him. Their eyes met and she shifted her focus to the floor. He swallowed uncomfortably and looked back at Ginny. She kissed him again and touched her forehead to his, closing her eyes. Glancing back at Cho he found that she had taken a seat in one of the many red silk chairs next to a snack table, looking close to tears. Harry sighed and averted his eyes.
When the slow song ended, Hermione continued trying to get Ron to dance.
"Just move to the music Ron," she said. "Move to the beat of the song." He slowly started to move in time with The Silver Dragons and Hermione grinned successfully. He sheepishly smiled back. Just as Ron was getting the hang of it, someone interrupted him.
"You call that dancing, Weasley?" Malfoy laughed, leaning against the wall, punch in hand. Hermione glared at him. Malfoy's comment seemed to hurt Ron's confidence, making him slow down.
"Don't listen to him, Ron," Hermione said comfortingly. "You're doing wonderful." Malfoy sniggered loudly.
"Wonderful? I suppose if looking like a mentally challenged three- year-old makes you wonderful, you get first prize." Ron stopped and walked towards him.
"You better shut your mouth or you may find that punch cup up your," Hermione grabbed his arm.
"Ron you promised," she hissed. Ron exhaled angrily and hed her across the room, far away from Malfoy. He wasn't in the mood to dance anymore.
"Let's go eat something," he growled. She sighed sadly and followed him to a snack table. He snatched up a roll and roughly bit into it as he sat in a chair. She took a seat beside him, staring out at the other dancing couples.
Nearby, Luna and Neville were sitting together munching on biscuits (cookies) while Neville listened to her talk.
"Father and I didn't find the Crumple-Horned Snorkack (I'm not sure if this is spelled right but I looked for a minutes and couldn't find it so I'll look later and fix it if its wrong, or if someone does know the correct spelling let me know) this summer but we do think we spotted a Doubled Beaked Corple," she said looking at him though her eyes seemed unfocused.
"A what?" he asked.
"It's a very tiny bird with two beaks, one blue and one orange. It can give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and mobility to those who are paralyzed. If you touch the blue beak, you get one wish, anything you want. The orange beak will transport you to any location you desire. I want to touch the blue beak."
"What would you wish for?"
"I would bring my mother back," she answered without hesitation or sadness. He nodded knowingly. "But they're terribly hard to catch and only show themselves during the summer. What would you wish for?"
He knew perfectly well what he wanted but didn't feel comfortable telling her. The only students that about his parents condition had found out by accident.
"I don't know," he answered.
"Ok," she replied. "Another biscuit?" He gladly accepted it, relieved she hadn't pressed him on the subject.
* * * *
A couple hours into the ball, Harry excused himself to the loo. Ginny went to talk to Ron and Hermione who were still sitting by the side, Ron drinking his third butterbeer.
"Hi," Ginny said. Hermione gave her a small smile and ron grunted at her.
"Having fun?" Ginny asked uncertainly, curious to why they looked so unhappy. Ron shrugged.
"I'm not," Hermione answered. Ron looked at her.
"Oh and what would you like to do?"
"I want to dance Ron!" she exclaimed. "I want us to enjoy ourselves! You need to stop taking everything Malfoy says so seriously! You were doing so well but as soon as he says something you stop! Whose word do you believe more? Mine or his?"
"What did Malfoy say?" Ginny asked. They ignored her.
"It isn't that I don't believe you, it's that I didn't feel like I was doing it right and felt stupid," Ron told Hermione.
"There isn't a 'right' way to dance. It's just moving around to music like I told you and what you were doing!"
"You finally got Ron to dance?" Ginny asked, surprised. "Fast dancing?" Again, her question was left unanswered.
"Why do we have to dance?" he asked.
"Because it's fun! It was so enjoyable at the Yule Ball!" Ron nodded in understanding.
"I see!" he said pointing at her. "That's what this is about!"
"What?" she asked.
"Vicky! This is about how Vicky would dance with you! You're saying he was a better boyfriend than I am!" She stared at him like he had grown an extra head.
"That's not what this is about! Well, yes he did dance with me but I just had fun dancing! It wasn't that I was with him and he was a good boyfriend because he was never my boyfriend! I wanted to dance with you at the Yule Ball but you were stupid and didn't ask me! Now that I have you, I want to dance with you!"
"Fine! Let's go!" Ron exclaimed, jumping up. Hermione stood quickly and followed him to the dance floor where he ahd begun dancing like a mad man. Ginny watched them and shook her head.
"Complete nutters," she muttered but smiled at them. Ron was actually doing well. Ginny took a glass of pumpkin juice and waited for Harry to return.
Harry walked out of the lavatory to find Cho standing outside of it. She turned around at the sound of his shoes and he stopped abruptly.
"What are you doing Cho?"
"I wanted to talk to you."
"Uh, I have to get back to Ginny," he said apprehensively, moving away from her. She took hold of his arm and stopped him.
"Just wait, okay?" He looked around but no one was near. He nodded and she released him. Cho bit her lip and took a breath. Harry watched as her eyes began to water and he rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably.
"I know I was horrible last year," she started. "I was confused and selfish and sad. I wasn't sure how I felt about you except that I liked you. But I had also liked Cedric and it felt like I was betraying him by going out with you. Then Michael came along and I didn't really like him so I felt less guilt at a relationship with him. Not that it was any different. He was all right but I couldn't stay with him long. I found myself thinking about you constantly, wondering how you felt about me, how you were doing. I know I should have said something to you at the beginning of the year or even owled you over the summer but I was afraid you would reject me. I suppose I'll never know now that I waited so long. Maybe then you wouldn't be with Ginny." She wiped the tears off her face. Harry was speechless. He had no idea she felt that way.
"I really care about you, Harry."
"Look, Cho."
"Harry I just need to try one thing," she interrupted him softly. "I know we did it once before but." She moved closer to him and before he could react, her lips were on his. She laid her hand on his shoulder and tilted her head to the left, opening her lips a bit more. They parted and she watched him expectantly. He opened his eyes and looked down at her.
"Well?" she asked.
"I love Ginny," he told her. "We can be friends, that's all." She sighed and shook her head.
"No, I couldn't just be your friend. I want more than that from you so I guess this is it." She kissed his cheek and walked away. After she left, Harry groaned and rubbed his face roughly. He looked around; glad to see no one was there to watch that. Or so he thought.
He reentered the Great Hall and searched for Ginny. She was sitting next to a table munching on a biscuit. He hurried over to her and sat down.
"What took you so long?" she asked.
"Oh," he quickly thought of a lie. "Ran into Dean and Seamus for a bit and lost track of time."
"Oh," she said. "Want to dance again?" He nodded and they went back to the floor. He wondered if he should tell her about Cho but decided not to at the moment. No point in ruining the ball.
Ron and Hermione did four dances in a row. Panting, they made their way to a table and got some pumpkin juice.
"See, wasn't that fun?" she asked, out of breath. He nodded and took a large swig of his drink.
"But now I'm exhausted," he breathed.
"Me too."
"Why don't we go up to Gryffindor Tower?" he asked. "Unless you want to stay until the end." She shook her head.
"No, let's go." He laced his hand in hers and they walked out of the hall and up the stairs. The common room was empty when they reached it.
"I uh, need to use the loo," he said. "You can come up if you want. Not to the loo but you could wait in the dorm room."
"Alright." Ron ran up the stairs and Hermione followed behind him. She slowly sat down on his bed as he shut the lavatory door. He came out a few minutes later and sat beside her.
"Sorry but I drank a lot tonight," he said. She laughed and nodded in understanding.
"It's okay."
"So.this is our room," Ron said.
"Yep." Ron looked around the room, the realization that Hermione was sitting on his bed making him slightly nervous.
"Did you have fun tonight?" she asked.
"Yeah. Dancing isn't so bad I suppose. I especially liked slow dancing." He grinned and she laughed.
"Me too." They sat in silence.
"I miss having Quidditch practice," he said finally.
"Oh, yes. But that way we can spend more time together," she replied. He thought for a moment.
"Yeah, we've spent a lot of time together lately." She nodded.
"You seem to always want to be around me," he added. She stared at the floor uncomfortably. "Why is that?" She shrugged.
"Why shouldn't we spend time together?"
"That's not what I mean. Even Harry noticed it. You're almost always with me except when I sleep. You don't do homework but get good grades. You don't go to the library anymore. You love the library. How are you getting good marks, helping me with homework, and spending all your time with me?"
"Don't worry about it," she said softly.
"Hermione."
"Ron." He groaned.
"Just tell me. Something's going on." She sighed and folded her hands.
"I wake up before you and do my work in the library while everyone else is asleep. Then I go back to my room when everyone wakes up and I meet you downstairs. I spend the day with you and help you and Harry with your schoolwork. Then when you come up here for bed, if I have time, I work on an assignment. I go to sleep and wake up early again." He stared at her dumbfounded.
"Why?"
"Because I want to spend as much time with you as possible."
"Okay, but I see you at meals, in class, and pretty much all weekend. You could still do your work in the afternoon and evening when you need to. You don't have to help me with everything. I mean, I like when you do but I can handle it on my own."
"It's okay, Ron, I want to do this."
"But why? It doesn't make sense. Why do you all of a sudden want to spend every second with me?" She swallowed and looked at him.
"Because I'm scared of losing you."
"Losing me?" She groaned and faced him.
"Ron, the Death Eaters are out, Voldemort's back, Malfoy hates us, you keep getting beat up, I'm just worried."
"But just because you're with me doesn't mean nothing can happen to me."
"But if I'm with you I can stop you fighting with Malfoy and protect you from anything that endangers you." He laughed.
"Hermione, I'm the one that is supposed to protect you!"
"I can protect you too!" He shook his head, slightly amused.
"Look Love, Malfoy will always be a problem. There's nothing we can do about that. But Death Eaters and Vol.You-Know-Who aren't just going to pop in here and kill me. That's crazy!"
"No, I don't expect that to happen. But what if I left you alone and you were hurt or," she swallowed, "worse? I would never be able to forgive myself. I just want to know that I was with you whenever I could and did everything in my power to help or save you." He ran a hand through his hair.
"I don't know what to say to you other than don't think that way. You can't suspect the worst all the time or you'll go insane. And if you spend every second with me, we'll eventually drive each other mad. It's been fine so far but how long will that last? Everyone needs time apart, Love. Not just for sleep. I love being with you but we can't all the time, okay? Besides, how are you doing all your homework in the moring and at night and getting enough sleep?"
"I'm managing," she said softly. He shook his head and pulled her into his arms.
"I learned how to make coffee with my wand," she added.
"Well, no more of it," he told her. "Tomorrow, we aren't spending the entire day together."
"But."
"No but's Hermione. We're going to do something separate." She pursed her lips. He kissed them. "Don't give me that look." He kissed her again. She relaxed her face and sighed.
"Fine, you win."
"Ha ha! I win!" She laughed and pushed him lightly. He slowly moved his hands toward her stomach and started tickling her. She squirmed and laughed loudly.
"No, Ron, stop!" She squealed. "Stop!" She landed back on his bed and his hands relaxed. He looked into her eyes and a silent agreement passed between them. She stroked his cheek as he leaned closer to her. Capturing her lips in his, he held her neck as she laid her hands on his waist. Giving each other short but passionate kisses, they shifted themselves up toward the head of the bed and Hermione laid her head on his pillow. Both feeling nervous yet excited, Hermione helped Ron pull off his robes, tossing them on the floor. He moved from her lips to her neck and she sighed with satisfaction. He helped remove her lavender robes and shook them off his arm as she began unbuttoning his shirt. Suddenly, they heard voices on the stairs outside and Ron jumped off the bed. He threw her robes at her and hurriedly yanked his on before running a hand threw his hair. She sat up to redress herself and smoothed out her bun.
The door opened a second later and Harry, Seamus, and dean walked in. Harry stopped when he saw his best friends in the room causing the other two to stop, Seamus almost running into him. Ron crossed, uncrossed, and recrossed his arms, trying to act nonchalant and failing miserably. The three boys looked from him to Hermione curiously.
"Um Ron, there's a Hermione on your bed," Harry said, walking further into the room, allowing Dean and Seamus to fully enter.
"Really Harry? I hadn't noticed," Ron answered sarcastically, his voice higher than usual. Hermione cleared her throat uncomfortably.
"Well, good night boys," she said, her face red to beat Ron's. She quickly kissed Ron's cheek and hurried out of the room. Seamus and Dean burst out laughing as Ron exhaled loudly and flopped onto his bed. Harry snorted and walked to his trunk.
"Sorry 'bout that, Ron," he chuckled. "Didn't know you'd have company." Ron was red as a tomato.
"Nothing happened," he said, unbelievably.
"Sure, mate, sure," Seamus said. "You're redder than your hair and you've got lipstick all over your mouth. Plus," he snorted, "Your robes are on backwards!" This sent the three boys into gales of laughter as Ron sat up and stared horrified at his clothes.
"Oh shit," he muttered. Harry, Dean, and Seamus continued to laugh while Ron changed into his pajamas.
"So you got close, huh?" Seamus asked. Ron shrugged, staring at his trunk. "How close are we talking?"
"None of your business," Ron said replied. Seamus chuckled.
"See anything?" Ron shook his head, glancing at Seamus, his lip slightly turned up.
"You bloody fools interrupted me!" Dean looked like he was going to pass out from lack of oxygen. Seamus patted him on the back.
"Truly sorry Ron. If I'd known, we'd have stayed out of the way. I'm actually surprised Hermione was going to let you." Ron nodded.
"Don't worry though," Dean said once he regained his composure. "We won't tell anyone that the Gryffindor prefects got a bit.steamy in the boy's dorm. Well, one prefect since you aren't one anymore." Ron shrugged, a smile on his face.
"Shut up," he said, mock angry.
"That reminds me," Harry said. "Did your parents find out that you aren't a prefect anymore?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Well I was sure you would've gotten a Howler."
"I did."
Harry wrinkled his forehead. "I never saw it."
"I know, Errol delivered it here while I was changing instead of at breakfast. No one else heard it but me. There's an advantage to having an old and stupid owl." Harry laughed.
"Lucky for you." Ron nodded and lay on his bed. Neville walked in a moment later, cheeks flushed and a silly grin on his face.
"Hi Neville," Harry said.
"Hello."
"Alright Neville?" Seamus asked. He nodded, still smiling and sat on his bed.
"She kissed you didn't she?" Seamus chuckled. Neville blushed again and nodded slightly.
"I guess we all got some action tonight, eh Harry?" Seamus lightly elbowed him and Harry jumped.
"What do you mean?" Seamus eyed him strangely.
"Didn't you kiss Ginny?" Harry exhaled, relieved. He thought Seamus had seen him and Cho.
"Oh yeah."
"What did you think I meant?"
"Nothing." Seamus shrugged.
"Ok, so Harry kissed Ginny, I kissed Lavender, Neville kissed Luna, Dean kissed Padma, and Ron kissed, er a bit more than kissed," Ron threw a pillow at him but he ducked causing it to run into Harry, "Hermione. We should be called the Gryffindor Studs! (Is that a British word? I've no idea)." Ron laughed loudly and Neville continued to blush.
The boys were all in their beds by one. Ron was laying there thinking about Hermione when Harry's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Ron?"
"Yeah Harry."
"What if something happened and it's bad and it'll make someone mad if you tell them but also mad if you don't and you think you should but aren't sure if you should now or wait until later or never?" Ron wrinkled his forehead.
"What?" Harry sighed.
"Nevermind."
"Um, okay mate. 'Night."
"'Night."
"'Night Gryffindor Studs!" Seamus called. Ron laughed out loud again.
Author's Note: Ok, that's the real end of the chapter. For those of you who didn't know, I posted the first part of this chapter then little bits at a time until it was finished. So, how did everyone like it? Some may be wondering about the H/G fight and don't worry, it'll be in next chapter. I decided to change my plan a bit so it didn't happen yet. You'll know who saw them next chapter too. It's not whom you would think, that's all I'm saying for now. I'll hopefully have the next one up on Thursday cuz I don't have school so I'll type it Wednesday night. Anyway, if you didn't like something in this chapter, that's okay, you can tell me. I wasn't sure about putting in a few things, mainly the R/H almost sex thing but I decided to do it anyway. Anyone object? All right, sorry this took so horrendously long to put up but I did my best. Thank you all for being so patient! I love you guys!!! Whoa this was 22 pages on word!! Holy monkeys!
Individuals: (chapter 11, chapter 12 ones from parts of this chapter will be in next chapter to stay consistent)
sexy seeker: I know, if only all boys were like that! Hope you had a nice holiday! Mine was alright, thanks for asking.
bellalovesron: Lol, which name do you prefer? Cuz I don't care, I know you either way! Anyway, thank you! I already talked to you about your fic and the voldemort mixing so I won't go into that. I'm glad the tension worked. And yes, you know I love long reviews! i had a good x-mas and yes, santa came! Lol, hope your holiday was good!
Firesensation18: Wow, you read all of that fast! But then, you were on vacation so I suppose that's not that surprising. ANyway, thanks for reading! I'm glad you like it! Sorry, but I did bring in the Cho issue. I don't think it will play any part in the future HP books but its been fun and interesting to write about. Hope you continue to read even though I did that.
Cheese Diva: You totally rock! You always give me these huge, wonderful reviews that I love to death! Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to do that! Thats so awesome you went to Trinidad and the Carib! It must have been incredible! Yeah, so thank you! I'm glad you understod what Harry was feeling. I loved writing the Room of requirement scene! But the road'll be a little bumpy after this. Hope you liked the ball chapter! Use the axe? Lol. So have you seen Return of the King yet? I saw it again over break with my uncle and his new girlfriend. Except I was really tired for some reason and fell asleep in the middle! Oh well, I saw the end and thats the most important part! Though that sort of review would be really cool and flattering for me, you don't need to go through the trouble. Just having you review is great! Thanks again!
hp/charmed obsesed: Thanks! Yep, I read the update and your other fic! Sorry it took so long for me to update!
HermioneClone: Thank you very much! Sorry I took so long updating!
Line-from Denmark: Thanks! Don't worry about it. I've been busy too! Hope you liked the dance! Thanks for supporting me about time to write, I appreciate it!
Mione Weasley: Don't worry about it. Lol, new years resolutions are so hard to keep, especially when it comes to fanfic. Take your time on the chapter. I mean I want to read it but don't rush it. So glad you liked last chapter and hope you liked this one!
KrisKG: That's so awesome! Thanks, glad you liked.