Four days after Hermione had agreed to ignore Daphne Greengrass, she sat staring at her Orb watching the additional defense training and counted the tenth time Daphne had touched Ron in the past hour. Not for the first time, she wished she could hear what people were saying rather than just seeing their actions. The usual group included all of the sixth year male Gryffindors and Susan Bones. Hermione had asked Ron and Harry once why Susan Bones was included in the group, but neither boy would say anything other than it had to do with Dumbledore and she was supposed to be there. Today they had added Daphne Greengrass and Cho Chang and Hermione wanted to know why.
Hermione leaned back against the headboard of her bed with a sigh. The orb resting in her lap continued to glow softly, but she kept her eyes closed as she massaged her temples with her fingertips. She felt low. Ron loved her, she repeated to herself. He loved her. She shouldn't need to spy on him. Repeating that over and over only delayed the inevitable as she opened her eyes to look back into the Orb in time to see Cho laughing at something Harry had done. As engrossed as she was in the Orb, she missed hearing the door to her dormitory open.
"Hermione are you awake?" she heard Ginny ask softly.
Sitting up straight Hermione pulled the hangings around her bed open, hiding the Orb under her pillow, "Hello Ginny, I was just looking into some things. Is there something I can help you with?"
Ginny walked over to sit on the edge of Hermione's bed, "Well, I was wondering if you were feeling alright. You disappeared up here right after classes and I wanted to talk to you about the Circle."
Hermione rubbed her eyes again and smiled at her friend, "I guess I did come up here rather quickly. I wanted to get started on my reading and the common room is a bit distracting sometimes."
Ginny flashed a grin at her, "Is the common room distracting or is it a certain Weasley boy who distracts you so?"
Hermione pulled a face and then laughed, "Both really, the common room can get a bit loud right after classes and every so often I find myself unable to concentrate while Ron is in the room. Not that you need to tell him that."
"You can be sure I won't tell him that Hermione. If he knew, he would be too hard to live with. He isn't in the common room now though. Come to think of it, I don't know where he is. For that matter, where is Harry?" Ginny frowned.
"They are in the Room of Requirement," Hermione replied, her frown returning as she shifted and the glow from Orb spilled out across her bed.
"So, you have been ummm… observing him then?" Ginny asked pointing to the Orb suppressing a giggle.
"Him among other people," Hermione responded dryly taking the Orb back into her lap.
"Who else have to been watching?" Ginny asked curiosity getting the better of her.
"It seems that there have been some additions to their little training group. Not that Ron mentioned it to me."
Hermione's bitter tone peaked Ginny's curiosity, "Who did they add Hermione?"
Hermione looked Ginny in the eyes, "Are you sure you want to know Ginny? You aren't going to like one of them."
"Oh, come on Hermione, why would I care who they train with?" Ginny smirked.
"They added Daphne and Cho Chang, both of whom are in the Room of Requirement right now," Hermione furrowed her brows as if in distaste.
Ginny had started to smirk at her friend when she had mentioned Daphne's name only to have her smirk replaced with a scowl when Cho's name quickly followed, "Why would they want to add that cow Cho? All she ever does is cry."
Hermione laughed at the look on Ginny's face, "Oh I see, when a girl is after my boyfriend, I have to relax and trust him, but when Cho shows up training with Harry, it is OK for you to be upset."
Ginny narrowed her eyes, "I trust Harry totally, but I will hex that cow into oblivion if she tries anything."
"Ginny, I don't think you should call her a cow just because she used to be interested in Harry," Hermione managed to say, trying to hold back her laughter.
"Hermione, how long have you been watching them in the Room of Requirement?" Ginny asked suddenly.
Hermione blushed scarlet, "Since I came upstairs after class. Why do you ask?"
Ginny also blushed but still looked Hermione in the eyes, "Has that cow.. I mean Cho tried anything yet?"
Hermione raised her hands to cover her mouth so she wouldn't laugh at the look on Ginny's face. Unable to tell Ginny the answer verbally, she shook her head from side to side glad to see Ginny start to relax.
"So how is Daphne behaving?" Ginny asked gratified to see Hermione stop laughing.
"She keeps touching Ron. If she keeps it up, I'm going to break her hands," Hermione growled.
Ginny sat straight up, a bit taken aback by the tone of Hermione's voice, "How has she been touching him Hermione? If he's fooling around, I'll give him some Bat Bogeys to think about."
Hermione shook her head, "No Ginny, he's not fooling around as you put it. It's not even anything major. I just don't like how she will put her hand on his shoulder when he says something funny. I also heard that Ron had gotten bruised up in his last Directed Studies class and he asked Daphne to cast the healing charm instead of coming to ask me to do it."
Ginny looked down for a minute and then she looked back up at Hermione, "I knew about that Hermione. He asked me first and it was a bit beyond my skill with Healing charms so I suggested he go to Daphne."
Hermione wasn't able to hide the look of hurt on her face, "Why did you do that Ginny? You know how I love to take care of Ron."
Ginny reached out and grabbed Hermione's hands, "Please don't be mad. It was one of the times you were in the library all day doing research, and neither Ron or I wanted to bother you when you were working so hard."
Hermione nodded sadly, "I guess I can understand that, but why haven't they asked us to train with them? I've been with them all the other times, what's different now?"
"Oh Hermione," Ginny shook her head, "Is that what is really bothering you?"
Hermione nodded as one tear ran down her cheek, "I feel like I'm being replaced. Adding Susan was bad enough, but it's Susan. Adding her was like adding you, I guess I didn't feel threatened, especially when Harry and Ron said Dumbledore had something to do with it. Now though, adding Cho and Daphne. . . why haven't they asked us? Seriously, we are at least as good at defense spells as those two are."
Ginny reached out and pulled Hermione into a hug, "That couldn't be further from the truth, Hermione. I overheard Ron and Harry talking in the common room late one night and they were saying that they weren't going to have you join them because you were far more valuable doing research and figuring things out. I believe my brother's exact quote was 'I can teach any old gobshite to yell STUPEFY over and over again, but there's only one Hermione and she's the most important person in this fight. Well, after you Harry.' So, it has nothing to do with your being replaced Hermione, it has everything to do with how highly they value you."
"So, I'm just being silly then?" Hermione asked wiping her face.
"Yes Hermione, you are just being silly," Ginny replied. "Now enough of this, I want to know why Harry and Ron have been meeting with Blaise Zambini and Daphne so often."
Hermione sighed, "I can't Ginny." Ginny's face fell and Hermione quickly added, "Well, I can't without talking to Ron and Harry about it first." Ginny brightened up considerably, "I'll tell you what Ginny, you and I will talk to them about it tonight. It's time you knew anyway, plus all these secrets are starting to wear thin on me."
The first class with Daphne and Cho had been interesting enough. Seamus and Daphne had worked together for most of the lesson, while Dean and Cho trained together. Ron and Harry watched the group and gave pointers from time to time. Each time Ron walked by Daphne she smiled at him as if she was having fun, and he was glad that they had asked her to join.
These practices ran similar to the DA meetings from the previous year. Harry instructed and at times brought in different professors to help. Although, it had to be said that the students in this room were well above NEWT level Defense Spells. Ron had never appreciated how much all of the training they had been doing had affected their progress until Cho began practicing with them. She barely kept up with Dean who was by far the worst of the six. Daphne on the other hand seemed almost equivalent in comparison. It puzzled Ron as he thought about it and decided to ask for Harry's opinion.
"So, what do you think about our latest members?" Ron asked looking over at his best mate.
"Daphne's good. She didn't learn all of that in Defense class," Harry started noting the blond girl knock Seamus to the floor. "Did you see her Shield Charms? She's the best one in here after Susan. She even knew a couple that Susan hadn't heard of and I know Moody has been working with her rather extensively. Also, did you notice Seamus? He's gotten sloppy training against Dean. We need to keep mixing up the partners."
Ron looked over to where the blond Slytherin stood talking with Seamus, he couldn't quite shake the feeling of familiarity with the spells Daphne had been using. He had no real explanation, just a sense that he was missing something.
He looked over to where Dean and Cho were standing nearby, "Cho did well. It seems she hasn't forgotten much since last year," Ron offered changing the subject.
"Yes, I suppose. She's well behind all the others though. I'm going to ask Dean to work with her more outside of here to catch her up," Harry added. "Ron, while I am thinking about it, work with Susan. Keep focusing on her dueling. I know the shields are important, but she still needs to be more aggressive in a fight. I want her to be able to take Neville before the month is out. There's no reason that she shouldn't."
"So you think Susan is that good?" Ron asked noticing the Hufflepuff talking to Neville.
"I think she could be that good. I also think Daphne could give her a run for her money," Harry added.
Harry and Ron continued to clean up in silence as the other members of their training class had started to file out of the door. Ron noticed that Daphne was hanging back, waiting, until everyone else had left. As the door finally closed, Ron tapped Harry on the shoulder as Daphne approached them, "Blaise and I found something, but we need help."
"What did you find?" Harry asked before Ron could voice the same question.
Daphne lowered her voice and stepped closer to both of them, "We found a series of doors that were in a hidden passage in the dungeons that wasn't on your map. The map you gave us only covered the corridors. Blaise created another map to track the passages we have found."
"Wait, Blaise copied the map? How? How did you even find the passages in the first place?" Harry asked interrupting.
Daphne smiled, "Let's just say, Blaise comes from an extremely wealthy and an extremely paranoid family. If you want to hide something where no one would find it, Blaise is your guy. Conversely, finding something hidden is equally his forte. How do you think the guy lived with Malfoy for six years without problems?"
"Really? What kind of spells did he use to find the opening?" Harry asked.
Daphne shook her head, "You need to get the particulars from him. Those passages we found lead to a large door that we haven't been able to get open. Blaise seems to think that Granger can help open it and I reluctantly agreed with him. We need to have a meeting to go over what we have found, and then take a look at the door. Does Sunday work for you two?"
Ron smiled. He had been looking forward to the Slytherin/Gryffindor Quidditch game all week. "Sunday afternoon would be good for us. It should give you and Blaise a chance to get over the crushing defeat you are going to suffer at our hands in Quidditch this weekend," Ron couldn't help but taunt the Slytherin.
"A bit sure of yourself, aren't you Weasley?" Daphne sneered. "I must have forgotten you had all that Gryffindor arrogance for a moment."
"I'm just confident in my mate here. Best seeker Hogwarts has ever seen," Ron smiled and threw an arm around Harry's shoulders. "So really all I have to do is sit back and wait for Harry to catch the snitch."
"I'm sure Blaise would have a few choice words for you about that," Daphne shook her head. "You two are really too much, you know that?"
"Hey, don't blame me," Harry quipped holding up his hands, "He's the one with the really big head."
"Oh really?" Daphne asked looking Ron over with an evil smile, "I had heard that rumor before, but I guess wasn't expecting confirmation from you Potter," Ron and Harry blushed at her insinuation. "Now, if you two will excuse me, I have some Hufflepuffs to bully. Must keep up appearances you know."
Ron and Harry laughed at her joke as they watched her walk out the door. "She wasn't serious, was she?" Harry asked.
"I hope not, but you can't really tell with her," Ron replied.
"Come on Ron, we need to work on our Transfiguration essay and then we can go over the last bit of Quidditch plays for practice tomorrow. I want to make sure we kill Slytherin this weekend," Harry said moving towards the door.
Ron just rolled his eyes and followed Harry, curious about the door Daphne had found.
Susan walked slowly into the library, her sore muscles tightening as she walked. Susan was tired. Her fight with Terry and Hannah dragged at her, her Aunts letters and warnings, all of the training, classes, and even her parents concern sapped her.
It had been five days and Susan was beginning to worry whether Terry and Hannah would ever apologize. Most of the time she didn't miss them, but the library was where it hit the worst. Her rucksack seemed to weigh a ton, the strap was digging into her shoulder, as she walked closer to the door. What would she do if Terry and Hannah were actually studying? The last thing Susan wanted was another scene. That thought stopped her as she debated heading back to her common room, the Charms essay be damned.
She stood outside of the library door, struggling with her own indecisiveness, when she felt the strap being lifted off of her shoulder. Before she could see who was behind her, she heard the slow, cultured drawl that had recently begun to haunt her thoughts. "I think I should give you a hand with this."
Susan turned to find Blaise Zambini standing behind her, holding both her bag and his own, the sarcastic smile present on his face. The smile that made a person feel as if he was laughing at them for one reason or another. Susan tried and failed to hide her surprise, and did she dare admit relief, at his presence.
"No need to look stunned Susan, even Slytherins need to study sometimes," Blaise continued laughing at her discomfort while he slung her rucksack over his shoulder.
Susan's surprise and fatigue evaporated, quickly turning into a look of annoyance, "I would think that you know I don't buy into stupid prejudices. I know who MY friends are and I certainly don't hesitate to support them when they need it."
Blaise nodded, the smile still in place, not the least bit upset by her change in attitude, "You certainly do. Of course, YOU don't have to worry if YOUR Housemates are going to curse you when you aren't paying attention either."
Susan had to concede that Blaise had a point, but she wasn't willing to leave it at that. Susan nodded towards her rucksack slung across Blaise's shoulders, "So why are you being nice to me, if it could get you in trouble?"
Blaise's smile disappeared and he grew serious, taking half a step towards her. Unsure of what to do, Susan backed away from him and into the door to the library. Blaise reached around her, his face coming dangerously close to her own, when he murmured, "Some things are worth the risk."
Susan turned to meet his dark eyes for a moment, surprised at the sincerity she saw, before he opened the door, taking her elbow to guide her into the room. Susan stumbled as she fought to keep a blush from spreading over her face. She looked back at Blaise to see the same all-knowing smile as he followed her into the library.
Before she could get upset, he motioned towards the tables, "Shall we find a table to study at then?" Blaise asked the amusement evident in his voice.
Susan turned and took in the number of students that were looking at them. She nodded leading them towards the back table with the view of the Quidditch pitch that she typically preferred. Half of the students began whispering as she and Blaise passed, and the others either waved at her or nodded to Blaise. Susan recognized many of the faces, including Cho Chang, but she wasn't in the mood to stop and gossip. She waved to those she knew and ignored the frowns from a few of the fifth year Slytherins studying on their own.
As distracted as she was, she didn't notice Terry and Hannah at her table until she turned down the row to see them working on the same Charms essay she had come to complete.
Susan stopped and looked up at Blaise, "There are more tables on the other side of the room. Let's try one of those."
Blaise saw Terry and Hannah and then looked back at Susan, a frown etched across his face, "Very well."
Susan began to walk away when Terry's voice stopped her, "What do you want?"
Susan looked back at him coolly, "Nothing, excuse the interruption," she replied, turning back towards the free table. She caught Blaise's eye and silently begged him not to say anything. He had changed from the silent laughter into the proud Slytherin in an instant, glaring back at Hannah and Terry.
"Keep your clothes on," Hannah muttered under her breath and Terry chuckled. Susan paled, but wasn't going to say anything until she saw Blaise's face. He was furious, but instead of angry red, his look was filled with ice. He turned back to stand in front of the Terry and Hannah, leaving Susan no choice but to follow.
Susan glanced over where several third year Hufflepuffs sat nearby avidly watching the exchange and Susan kicked herself for coming back to the library. She followed Blaise wanting to prevent another scene.
Blaise ignored her approach as he glared at Hannah, "Say it again."
"Excuse me?" Hannah squeaked looking up from her books.
Blaise crossed his arms, sneering at the girl, "Say it again."
Hannah paled and didn't respond. Blaise shook his head and looked over at Terry, "Boot, you laughed. What did she say?"
Terry opened his mouth and closed it several times, but also didn't say anything.
"They are friends of yours?" Blaise asked sarcasm dripping as he looked over at Susan.
Susan looked back at Terry and Hannah and couldn't help but feel sorry for them, "They were supposed to be."
Blaise shook his head and sneered back at Terry and Hannah, "You two are pathetic. First year Slytherins have more spine than the both of you put together." Blaise snorted and walked away towards the empty table Susan had pointed to earlier. Susan looked at Terry and Hannah who both sat dumb-founded. She glanced over at a nearby table where a few third year Hufflepuffs sat equally amazed. Not knowing what to say, Susan did the only thing she could and rejoined Blaise at their table.
Susan took her seat across from Blaise whispering to the Slytherin who seemed oblivious to all of the curious looks around them, "The whole school will hear about that before midnight."
Blaise glanced up at her, the sarcastic smile back on his face, "What? How a Slytherin intimidated a Ravenclaw and a Hufflepuff in the library? I would say that is old news Susan. I should have made them give up their table, but I thought you may want to be friends with them again at some point," Blaise dismissed it as if nothing had happened.
Susan decided to follow his lead, and neither said anything more for a time as they spread out their books and started on their homework. Susan managed to calm down but found herself considering Blaise. Why was he sitting with her? He defended her to Hannah and Terry, did he want to be friends? Would she survive it, if they did become friends? Laughing at her own foolish thoughts, she ignored it all and dove into her charms essay, finally making progress.
Meanwhile, Blaise was not so focused. He had stood up for Susan. What had possessed him to sit with her? Defending her to Boot and Abbot made things even between them, but what about the Hufflepuff made him want to be near her. She was pretty, but not stunning like Daphne. She was smart, but no Hermione Granger. She was a good Quidditch player, even if she supported the wrong team. She had the right connections, but it was something about her that made him want to earn her good opinion. It was sincerity, Blaise finally decided. In his world, that kind of honesty was a rare thing and he wanted it.
That decided Blaise went back to working on the mystery of the door, but found himself distracted by thoughts of Susan and the upcoming Quidditch game. Curious, he wanted to hear her thoughts on the outcome, "So, who will you be supporting in this weekend's Quidditch match?"
Susan cursed to herself, the essay is NEVER going to get finished, but looked up to respond, "I imagine I will be supporting Gryffindor. I told Hermione I would sit with her since most of her friends will be playing. Besides, I have more friends in Gryffindor than in Slytherin."
Blaise watched Susan for a moment as she concentrated on her essay. The question blurted out before he had a chance to stop himself, "Is that the only reason you will be supporting Gryffindor?" He winced mentally. She was supposed to be a friend—only. Why did he care why she supported them?
Susan looked up, confusion evident on her face, "Of course. What other reasons could I have for supporting Gryffindor?" the essay lay forgotten between them.
Blaise's face had an uncharacteristic hint of pink to it. He had to open his big mouth, now he would wonder unless he heard it all from her direct. Looking around to make sure he couldn't be overheard, when he answered quietly, "I was curious if there was any interest on your part, for either Potter or Weasley."
Susan's reaction was not what he had anticipated. She burst out laughing earning her an angry glare from Madame Pince, Blaise, and a number of nearby students. Properly chastened she whispered back, "Am I interested in Harry or Ron? Are you mental?"
Blaise sat upright looking rather disgruntled, unaccustomed to being laughed at. Retreat his brain screamed, "It was a reasonable question. It seems the entire female population of this school is obsessed with those two," he said stiffly.
Susan managed to stifle her laughter and didn't want to upset Blaise further, "I'm sorry. It's just that I have never thought about either of them that way."
Blaise relaxed, relieved at her response, but his curiosity got the better of him, "I thought every girl in school dreamed of the infamous Potter and Weasley?"
Susan's face took on a serious cast. She noticed several Gryffindors watching them closely and spoke louder, "No, the Ancient Egyptian symbol is the ank. Here, let me show you." Susan walked around the table and sat next to Blaise pretending to work on homework.
Blaise pushed a piece of paper in front of her and draped his arm along the back of her chair while he pointed to the sheet, "Susan, look the symbol is clearly Celtic in origin."
Susan nodded, refusing to turn and look at him. He was close to her again and she could smell a hint of his cologne. She fought her own embarrassment as she glanced at his smiling face. She wasn't about to blush and let Blaise know he had gotten the better of her. She picked up the paper and whispered, "Honestly, I think the world of them both. Objectively, I can say that Harry is quite fit, but neither one are my type. Harry broods too much for my taste, and Ron, well, Ron is just a bit much."
"How so?" asked Blaise unable to hide his curiosity he might as well get all of the information while he was asking. Even Daphne seemed obsessed with the two blokes, he thought. Another girl's perspective should be entertaining. He kept his arm along the back of her chair and looked at her closely. She wore little make up and he noticed a few freckles sprinkled across her nose. She seemed unsure of what to do, but wasn't cringing away from him either. Blaise liked that he could keep her off balance. He took a deep breath and caught the scent of something floral and cinnamon. Why did he notice the way she smelled?
Susan still refused to look at him when she replied, "Well, Ron can be a bit driven to prove himself. Of course, the only person he has to prove anything to is himself, but sometimes it makes him take risks."
Susan sighed, turned towards Blaise and smiled, "Honestly, I don't know how Hermione sleeps at night when she doesn't know where he is. I couldn't stand that kind of worry all the time. It's one thing to deal with danger that comes looking for you, but sometimes I think Ron goes looking for it."
Blaise looked her over carefully. How could he have thought that Daphne was more stunning? Susan's smile was definitely not second rate. "It sounds as if you disapprove of the way he acts."
Susan shook her head, "No, I don't. Ron is one of the best people I know and I trust him implicitly. It's just, I couldn't be in a relationship with someone like that."
"Is that the only thing that keeps you from being interested?" Blaise pressed, his voice catching just a bit at the end. She couldn't be in a relationship where she was worrying all of the time? While Blaise wasn't being actively pursued like Potter and Weasley, he knew he had many enemies in his own right. Did she want to be dating someone safe and boring like Boot?
Once again, Susan shook her head and looked around quickly, "Don't repeat this to anyone, but I don't find redheads very attractive. I can understand how Hermione can find him attractive, but, I don't see it myself."
Blaise nodded in understanding, glad of her response, the smile returning, "It's for the best anyway. Granger would tear you apart if you ever tried anything."
Susan chuckled, "Trust me, I know. I really believe that Hermione is the only person both Harry and Ron are afraid of."
"That makes sense though," Blaise agreed, "Plenty of Slytherins walk softly around Granger."
Susan was conscious of Blaise's arm still draped along the back of her chair and she found she kind of liked it there. She met Blaise's eyes for a moment and realized how close they were sitting. She turned back to the parchment he had handed her and actually read the paper. It was a list of a number of different spells to open a charmed door. Susan didn't recognize at least half of the spells on the list, "What is this?" she asked.
"Some research I am working on," Blaise waved it off taking the paper back from her.
Susan noticed a number of maps and thought she recognized the layout of the Hogwarts dungeons, but the frown on Blaise's face let her know that her curiosity would not be taken well.
He was a mystery to her. Blaise still kept one arm along the back of her chair, but he studied the parchment with some frustration. He was certainly handsome, no one could deny that. His dark blue eyes and dark hair were actually what Susan was attracted to in man. His mood swings disturbed her though. He was Blaise, scary Slytherin one instant, and Blaise, proud, smiling and approachable the next. He was never obviously nice, but his actions were all there. The thing with Luna, warning Hermione, and standing up for her to Terry and Hannah all spoke in his favor.
He had asked her a lot of personal information, and didn't seem inclined to offer any himself, and that she was not going to allow. If they were going to be friends, he would need to open up to her as well. Besides, Susan smiled to herself, it would be good to give him a little of his own medicine.
Susan leaned over slowly, not caring about who saw, and whispered in Blaise's ear, "So tell me, why aren't you and Daphne snogging like mad at every opportunity?" Susan smiled, watching the Slytherin closely.
Blaise looked surprised for an instant, but his sarcastic smile was there in spades when replied, "Who says we aren't?"
Undeterred, Susan cocked her head to the side and moved closer, nudging him with her shoulder. If he was going to ask her that type of question, she had every right to know about him, "Well, are you?"
Blaise smiled at Susan's aggressiveness, but waited a moment before answering. He wanted her to be clear that he was telling her the truth, "No, we aren't. Daphne and I are friends. Well, as much as Slytherins can be friends."
Susan's face clouded with confusion, "Why aren't you interested in her? She's beautiful, smart, and not shy from what I can see. You're always with her."
Blaised chuckled, "Let's just say, I like my women a bit softer than that. I can respect such fierceness in an ally, but it's a bit much in a love interest." Blaise's face turned serious, "I'd rather not date someone that I couldn't trust without a doubt," Blaise drawled watching her reaction closely. He was interested in Susan, and not just as a friend. The realization hit him hard. This may have been a bad idea after all. He needed to end this conversation quickly.
Susan pulled away from him annoyed. Did he think of her as weak? "So you like weak women then?"
Blaise fixed her with a glare, moving his arm away from her. "No, I do not like weak women. I would, however, prefer a love life that doesn't resemble a battlefield. Now perhaps we should return to our studies?"
Susan agreed and returned to her doomed Charms Essay, but spent her time studying the Slytherin across the table. He was a mystery that upset her rather calm life. His withdrawal surprised her, but she didn't feel bad for asking the same type of questions he had asked her.
She decided not to pin any hopes on the Slytherin. If he wanted friendship, she would be willing. If he wanted something more, it would be up to him to let her know. While trust was something she was easy with, Terry and Hannah's warnings still hung over her and Susan wasn't about to be burned. Ultimately though, she admitted to herself that she would secretly be cheering for at least one Slytherin to win on Saturday.
The warming charm had long since worn off this frigid Friday afternoon. The wind whipped around the quidditch hoops as Ron squinted his eyes in a vain attempt to see where the Gryffindor chasers were. Ron knew this was the last practice before the game tomorrow but he wished Harry would end it soon. Daylight was fading fast and the temperature was falling even faster. Ron pushed his robes out of his way and called out to Harry, "Don't you think it's about time to call it a day mate?"
Harry looked like he wanted to argue, but then he looked around at all the other miserable Gryffindors and nodded his head with a sigh. Gesturing to the ground Harry pointed his Firebolt downwards and started his landing decent. Thoughts of the fire in the common room helped Ron fight off the worsening chill as he locked up his broom in the broom shed and decided to wait to shower until he got back to the dormitory.
By the time he had made it to the portrait door he was chilled to the bone and wanted nothing more than to sit in front of the fire and get warm, so when he walked into the common room to find Hermione and Ginny waiting for him he wasn't as chuffed as he normally would be. As he walked he looked each girl over quickly, trying to figure out if he had managed to upset one of them and if so what he could do quickly to get out of trouble and into hot water.
"Have a seat Ron," Hermione said smiling at him.
Ron ran his hand through his hair, "I was just going to have a hot shower sine it's so bloody cold outside. How did you get cleaned up so quickly Ginny?"
Ginny looked at him for a second, "Don't you remember that you put my broom up for me?"
"Oh that's right," Ron said nodding, "I guess I was just so miserable I wasn't paying attention."
"Well come sit by me and warm up," Hermione said holding her hand out to him. Ron was still suspicious, but he didn't feel like getting mud all over his girl friend.
"I really need to shower Hermione. I'm pretty filthy right now."
Ginny looked confused for a second, "Oh you got nasty when you fell didn't you? It was pretty scary there for a second, but you got lucky."
Hermione shot Ginny a look and then turned back to Ron, "Ginny didn't tell me you fell during practice."
Ginny looked a bit sheepish, so Ron decided to bail her out, "She probably didn't mention it, because it wasn't a bit deal."
"It is a big deal when you fall off of your broom. Come to think of it, why did you fall off of your broom?" Hermione asked her eyes narrowing a bit.
Ron managed to not sigh before he started explaining, "A bludger got out of control and I didn't see it coming. It hit me in the left side and while it wasn't very hard I wasn't ready for it, so I slipped. The wind being the way it was today didn't help either."
"You got hit by a bludger, as well?" Hermione said standing and shooting Ginny another look.
Ron sighed, "I'm fine Hermione, I promise."
"I'll be the judge of that, now take off your robes," she ordered.
"Hermione I am fine, there is no need for you to inspect me," he complained.
Hermione looked up at his face "Maybe I want to inspect you. Now lose the robe and the tee shirt before I have to use the body binding curse on you."
"Fine, but are you really going to make me strip in the Common Room? Don't you think I have traumatized the first years enough?" Ron asked, hoping to get her to change her mind.
Hermione bit her lip and sighed, "Come on Ginny. Let's go make sure he didn't crack his head open while he was at it."
"Why do I want to see him strip? He's your boyfriend." Ginny asked.
Hermione shot her a look and Ginny stood up glaring at Ron, "Look what you are dragging me into."
The two girls followed Ron upstairs, to the empty boy's dormitory. His last hope for a reason to deter Hermione disappeared. He took off his muddy robes and tee shirt and stood there trying not to shiver.
Hermione's eyes got wide as soon as his shirt came off, "Oh Ron, you should have gone to the hospital wing."
Not understanding, Ron looked down at his side where Hermione was staring to find a large black and purple bruise swelling and already puffy. Knowing his dreams of a long hot shower had died in that moment he reached for his shirt. "Ok Hermione, I'll go to the hospital wing as soon as I get a shower."
"I could heal it, if you would rather not go to the hospital wing," Hermione said softly "Of course, I'll have to use some of the anti-swelling poultice on the bruise."
"That would be a lot better than going to the Hospital wing, thanks Hermione," Ron smiled and kissed her quickly. "May I please take a shower before you apply the poultice?"
"Oh, of course," Hermione smiled up at him.
Ron heard Ginny snicker "What is so funny Gin?"
"Oh nothing Ron, just get your shower and then get comfortable and we can all talk while Hermione fixes your boo boo," she grinned wildly.
"Oh shove off Ginny, it's not like she going to kiss it and make it better." he fumed.
"Oh I don't know Ron, I might do just that," Hermione smirked with a toss of her head and headed for the door with a self-satisfied expression.
Ron got a wicked gleam in his eye and called up to her as she walked away, "Well if that's the case, get a lot of that poultice because I've suddenly found a lot more bruises that need your attention."
Hermione didn't turn around but he knew she was embarrassed as she left the room.
"Go get your shower. I'm going to wait here and hope Harry comes back," Ginny waved him off and laid down on Harry's bed waiting.
Ron finished his shower and dressed in the bathroom as quickly as he could. His ribs were tender, so he decided to leave his shirt off. Ginny was fast asleep on Harry's bed when Ron returned and Ron decided to take a quick nap while he waited.
He felt someone shake his shoulder, but he refused to open his eyes. Hermione whispered, "Ron, this is going to be cold for a moment."
Before Ron could prepare himself for the sensation of the poultice Hermione had already started to spread it over his bruise. He bit down to keep from cursing as he woke with a start to the cold poultice as she rubbed it into his bruise.
He clenched his teeth from complaining while he waited for the poultice to grow warmer as Hermione continued her ministrations. He distracted himself by watching her work, taking in her dark brown curls, the smell of her, and the fact that they were alone, save for a sleeping Ginny in his dorm room. This of course caused a quick rise in his body temperature and he was certain that she could see how badly he was blushing. He closed his eyes and tried to return to sleep, the combination of the soothing heat of the poultice and the feel of Hermione's fingers started forcing him to relax and a wave of calmness rolled over him.
"Ron?" Hermione asked softly as he was drifting off to sleep again.
"Yes love?" he replied sleepily.
He opened her eyes as Hermione leaned over to whisper, "I was thinking that we should tell Ginny everything that's going on, don't you?"
He felt his eye lids becoming quite heavy as he tried to respond, he couldn't care less what Hermione wanted to tell Ginny. "Well, if you think so Hermione, I trust you," not really sure what he had agreed to.
Hermione leaned forward and kissed him lightly, "You just lay here and rest love. Ginny and I will go get you some food and I'll tell her as we walk."
Hermione got up from the bed and woke Ginny, "It worked."
"Great," Ginny smiled bright-eyed. "Start from the beginning and don't forget anything."
Hermione frowned for a minute, "I haven't asked Harry."
Ginny just smiled , "You and Ron out vote him. Besides, I'll break it to my wonderful, sweet boyfriend that he really needs to start treating me like I am trustworthy too."
By Saturday morning most of Ron's soreness from the previous day's practice had worn off and he met Harry and Ginny in the common room with a smile on his face.
"Ready to kick Slytherin all over the Quidditch field today?" he asked the two of them.
They both broke into wide grins, but Ginny couldn't help but tease him, "We'll all be fine as long as you stay on your broom."
Both she and Harry laughed and then Ron looked around the room, "Hermione not up yet?" he asked confused.
"She said she would meet us in the Great Hall," Harry told him. "She seemed like she had something important to do."
"Any idea what that is?" Ron asked.
Harry just shrugged, "No idea. Why don't we go eat breakfast and find out?"
The three of them were soon lost in conversation as they made their way down to the Great Hall discussing their various ideas on how the upcoming match would turn out. Strangely enough all three thought it would be a closer match than the rest of the school was predicting. They were so concerned with making sure they understood all the new plays, they didn't notice how quiet the students in the hall were. Motioning towards the ceiling discussing field positions, it was Ginny that finally pointed out the change with a gasp. Ron blinked and noticed that all the banners in the Great Hall had moving images of all of the Gryffindor Quidditch players on them. Then he saw the bushy brown hair standing under the larger than life imagine of him and he knew instantly who had changed all of the banners. He quickly walked over to her and leaned over whispering in her ear, "Why Miss Granger, I though prefects were supposed to set examples for all of the other students?"
Hermione looked up at him with a smirk, "Mr. Weasley, I have no idea what you are talking about. If I had been the one to change the banners I would have made the players much better looking. Harry and Ginny excepted," she added as Harry and Ginny joined them.
"That's a brilliant piece of magic Hermione," Harry remarked. "I just hope Snape doesn't find out who did it."
Ginny nodded enthusiastically, "He will go mental when he has a look at the giant Gryffindor Quidditch players while he eats his porridge."
Hermione smiled, but nodded back towards the door. "The three of you better hurry up and get some breakfast. You don't have much longer to get down to the Quidditch pitch."
"Yes Mum," Harry smirked, but sat down none the less.
"I'll wager she doesn't mother him like she does us," Ginny muttered to Harry, nodding her head at Ron and Hermione.
Before Ron could swallow his food to retort, Hermione surprised him by putting one arm around his waist and teasing right back, "Believe what you want, I know how to take care of Ron."
Ron tuned the girls out and looked over at the Slytherin table noticing many unhappy faces. The Slytherins were sitting together in tight groups, whispering, but few of them even glanced at the banners above them. They were all watching the doors to the Hall. Ron followed their line of site to see Susan and Blaise Zambini standing close together talking. When Ron looked back at the Slytherin table, he noticed half of the table seemed pleased or at least unconcerned with the pair, but the other half seemed angry.
Something about the whole scene worried him. That unusual split in the House and a number of rumors regarding odd Slytherin behavior since Susan's outburst in the library seemed to hint at unrest in the dungeons. Neither Daphne nor Blaise seemed affected by it, but Ron was afraid that something more than rumors would start.
Ron looked around the Hall once more and interrupted his sister, "We all need to be careful today. Things are getting a bit tense in the dungeons lately from what I hear since Susan's outburst."
"Didn't anyone tell you about Blaise? I guess Blaise and Susan were studying in the library together last night. Hannah and Terry were there and said something uncomplimentary about Susan where Blaise could hear. No one knows what Hannah said, but when Blaise asked them to repeat it, they didn't say anything. Blaise told them first year Slytherins had more courage and walked away from him and Susan ended up sitting with him. It was all over the Hufflepuff table this morning," Hermione added.
Ron frowned further looking back at Blaise and Susan as they continued. Ron couldn't tell what they were talking about, but it seemed rather important to both of them. An idea seemed floating around on the outside of his thoughts, until it became clear, "Now would be a good time for some of the Slytherins to make a 'statement' about what happens to those who oppose them."
"Do you think it's really gotten that bad for them?" Ginny asked looking at Harry.
"Look over there," Ron replied nodding towards the doors to the Great Hall. The four all looked over to where Susan and Blaise were standing whispering back and forth.
"Now look over there," Ron motioned with his hand to where Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle were staring at Blaise with undisguised malice written all over their faces.
"That doesn't look like things are going well for Blaise does it? I thought Malfoy only looked at us that way," Harry remarked looking over the Slytherin table once more.
"No it doesn't. He and Susan had better be careful, or one of them is going to get hurt," Hermione added as Blaise and Susan seemed to reach some sort of resolution. Susan's smile returned and perhaps Ron was imagining that Blaise wasn't frowning as stern as usual.
A female voice answered Hermione, "Your concern is touching Granger but we Slytherins are known for being able to look out for ourselves."
Four Gryffindors turned as one to find Daphne standing just behind them, an unapologetic smile on her face, "I just wanted to wish you all good luck in today's match."
"I think it's Slytherin that is going to need the luck today Daphne." Ron smirked.
Daphne rolled her eyes, "Ahh, the vaunted Gryffindor humility I have grown to love."
"Well, we do our best you know," Ron quipped before lowering his voice, "You better tell Zambini over there to be a little less obvious though."
Daphne followed Ron's direction to Blaise and Susan as they finally split to go to their respective tables and then back to the Slytherin table. A number of Slytherins shared Malfoy's annoyance at Blaise's actions. Daphne grimaced, "Shite, he's not even paying attention. First the library, and now this. I don't care what he wants, he can't go around letting it out in the open like that. I swear, all of you boys go stupid when a girl is involved. I need to have a talk with him before he turns up dead."
Daphne began to walk away, but turned back with a shake of her head, looking down at Ginny and Hermione, "Look, I know neither or you like me much, and honestly, the feelings mutual. Blaise is a friend of mine, and I owe him. Talk to Susan. I have no issues with her and I would rather her not get dragged into what should be a House matter. If she's worth her salt, she won't listen to you, but make her listen."
Hermione nodded, "I'll talk to her during the game."
Daphne smiled looking over the four Gryffindors again, "Well, it will be entertaining."
Entertaining was not the word Hermione would use to describe the Quidditch game. She and Susan cheered for the Gryffindor team and it seemed that the teams were quite evenly matched. Ron had let in only two goals, both to Blaise, but Ginny had made the three goals for Gryffindor. Jack Sloper hit a bludger towards Blaise, that the Slytherin dodged at the last possible second. Susan's gasp at the near miss, convinced Hermione that it was time to speak to her friend.
"Was Blaise helpful with your Charms essay last night?" Hermione asked as the crowd died down.
"What?" Susan asked clapping as Ron blocked another goal.
"Was Blaise helpful with your Charms essay?" Hermione repeated herself.
Susan looked back at her and frowned, "No, actually, he wasn't."
Hermione looked Susan over and saw that she had her attention. Hermione shook her head, next time she would let Ginny handle this. "Susan, look, do you want to talk about it?"
Susan turned back to the game and watched the figures streaking about the sky, "I don't know what to say. I've talked to him a couple of times. We're friends, I think."
The Gryffindor stands erupted in cheers as Katie scored bring the score to Gryffindor 40 Slytherin 20. When the cheers dies down Hermione turned back to Susan, "Maybe it's not any of my business, but I think that he is interested in you. I don't think he knows how to show it, and I think he's more than a little unsure as to what you think of him."
Susan watched as Blaise attempted another shot on goal only to be blocked by Ron before turning back to the other girl, "Maybe Hermione, but it doesn't strike me as likely. He's worried about my feelings? I don't think that is it. Besides, who in the school is more confident than Blaise?"
Hermione snorted as Susan turned back to the game watching Blaise intercept the Quaffle, "Daphne Greengrass comes to mind but I don't think you were thinking along those lines."
Susan looked over at Hermione and erupted in laughter, "Hermione, I take it you aren't fond of Daphne? That's so unlike you."
Hermione shook her head, "No, it's not that really. I don't know her that well and suddenly it seems that she's everywhere I am lately." Hermione and Susan were distracted as Crabbe hit a bludger towards Ginny that grazed the end of her broom. The Gryffindors watched tense as Ginny recovered and caught the quaffle passed to her by Katie Bell. When Susan and Hermione sat down, Hermione continued, "Truthfully it was her idea for me to talk to you about this. She and honestly, the rest of us, are worried."
Susan's face went pale, "It was Daphne's idea? Would he have lied to me? No, I bet she's just trying to see if he is interested. Damn her, I knew she had to be interested in Blaise."
Hermione was taken aback by the fury in Susan's voice but found herself laughing anyway, "Right, you two are just friends. You think Daphne is interested in Blaise? It's possible, but somehow I doubt that."
"Why do you say that? If she's worried, then what else could it be? Wait, you're worried too?" Susan asked, some of the anger melting away from her expression.
The smile that had come with Hermione's laughter vanished just as quickly, "Susan, I like Blaise. He may not be the nicest guy at Hogwarts, but he's fair. It's just that this morning when you two were talking in the Great Hall a good number of angry Slytherins were watching you."
"Hermione, who cares what a bunch of Slytherins think? We were talking. He wanted to make sure that Terry and Hannah hadn't bothered me anymore and then we talked about today's game. It was a conversation I would have had with any number of people."
Susan replied before turning back to the game in time to exclaim, "Ron! Watch out!" Hermione turned in time to see Crabbe and Goyle hit the bludgers towards Ron as Blaise made for the outer hoop. Ron dodged both of them, but missed Blaise's throw. The score was 40-30, Gryffindor in the lead.
"Susan," Hermione watched Ron swing his fist in frustration as the Quaffle was brought back into play. Susan watched the game while listening. Hermione tugged the girls arm, "Susan. This is important."
Susan tore her eyes away from the game before her, "Ok, Ok, I'm listening."
"Susan, it's not just people gossiping. These are Slytherins. They won't leave it at just that. They could come after you or Blaise. I know you can take after yourself, but just think what Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle would do to you if they caught you alone," Hermione pressed.
Susan looked at Hermione a minute, "I don't care. There isn't anything going on with Blaise and I, and even if there was, I am not going to let Malfoy dictate anything about my happiness or those of my friends. You, of all people, should know that especially with your friendship with Harry and Ron."
Hermione shook her head, "I know. I know. I wouldn't be a very good friend if I didn't at least warn you. Daphne said you wouldn't be worth your salt if you did listen to me, and she's probably right. She's going to talk to Blaise, though."
Susan frowned watching the game for a moment, "Are you sure she isn't after him? Maybe she thinks I am not good enough to be with him? What if he does listen to her? What am I saying? Ignore all of that."
Hermione smiled at her friend, "Susan, Blaise would be lucky to be dating you no matter what. If he's smart, he'll realize that you are worth it too. To answer your question about Daphne, from my point of view she has her beady little eyes set on Ron."
Now it was Susan's turn to laugh which was interrupted by her exclaiming "Watch out Blaise!" Susan blushed a bit at the angry glances around her as she turned her attention back to Hermione. "Those beaters of Gryffindor are a bit aggressive, aren't they?"
The protective tone in Susan's voice was evident to Hermione and anyone else who might have been standing close by, "I think you give them too much credit Susan. They aren't so much aggressive as just plain bad."
"Bad can still be lucky. Now, why do you think Daphne is after Ron and not after Blaise?" Susan said putting her hand on Hermione's arm.
Hermione took a good twenty minutes to explain her feeling on the subject. In that time, Gryffindor scored twice and Slytherin once much to Ron's chagrin. Susan thought she could see Ron swearing as the Quaffle was put back into play, but said nothing knowing how much Hermione disliked it when Ron swore. Susan listened as best she could. Fortunately, Hermione seemed to be used to people being distracted by Quidditch and as such was incredibly patient.
"Hermione, I can't possibly claim to know anything about Daphne, but I can promise to watch her for you. When it comes down to it, Ron loves you and no matter what Daphne would do, it wouldn't matter because his heart is with you. If anything, Daphne is just jealous. Honestly, just about every girl in school is jealous. Not because of Ron, but just because of how happy you two are together," Susan replied.
The game continued in front of them as the two girls sat silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts as they watched two separate players on the field.
Susan finally managed to ask, "You are certain Daphne isn't interested in Blaise? I still don't like that she is going to tell him to stay away from me."
"No I don't Susan," Hermione replied. "Honestly, if they were interested in each other then they would already be with each other. In fact, it would be a lot easier on both of them if they were interested in each other, but I just don't think they are."
Susan smiled, "You don't know how much I needed to hear that Hermione. Now if I can just break through that façade Blaise walks around wearing. I swear, he's two different people half of the time."
Hermione nodded sympathetically, "That may take some patience though. You are just going to have to take what he is ready to give."
"I understand you have some practice in that regard." Susan teased.
Hermione laughed "Yes I do, years worth in fact. I can say though, that now I have what I wanted, it was absolutely worth it."
"Well, no offense, but I hope I don't have to wait quite that long," Susan remarked her eyes following Blaise as he made another pass with the Quaffle that was intercepted by Ginny.
Hermione opened her mouth to reply, but right at that moment Ginny made a behind the back pass that caused the crowd to cheer, and Katie tossed it into the left ring as the totally fooled Slytherin Keeper kicked at the air in vain.
"Ginny has gotten really good lately hasn't she?" Susan smiled clapping in the stands.
Hermione nodded, "She practices pretty hard. I think she feels like she has something to prove with four older brothers who played Quidditch here."
Susan had seen the pressure Ron put himself under trying to live up to his older brothers, so she could only imagine what all Ginny thought.
Suddenly the crowd surged to their feet with both Hermione and Susan jumping up a moment later. It was easy to see why, both Harry and Malfoy had put their brooms into steep nose dives and even the spectators could se the Snitch flitting about the base of the Slytherin hoops. It seemed like the entire pitch was holding their breath as both Seekers wove their way in and out of the Hoop stands. Then almost as quickly as it started it was over, Harry had managed to catch the snitch right before both he and Malfoy collided with each other. A huge roar arose from the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw stands as they started to pour on to the pitch.
As she and Susan made their way down the stairs Hermione saw Ron suddenly go into a dive as he flew towards where Harry had landed. Hermione grabbed Susan as they raced back towards the edge of the stands to see Ron transform so that he landed in front of Harry on all fours. He quickly turned and roared at the three figures who seemed to be approaching where Harry sat, looking a bit stunned. The remainder of the two Quidditch teams flew down to join them. "We have to get down there!" Hermione said grabbing Susan and racing along the top of the stands. Hermione tried to push through the crowd with Susan at her heels to get to Harry and Ron, but the press was too thick.
By the time Hermione and Susan were able to push through to Harry, McGonagall and Snape were there having a loud row about something with half of the stadium looking on. Susan and Hermione burst through the crowd to find Ginny with Harry on the ground, as Ron paced in front of them. Daphne, Blaise, and a number of Slytherins stood nearby and no one seemed happy. Hermione knelt to examine Harry whom appeared to have been hit with some sort of curse. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle stood nearby. Goyle was holding his arm, which had a good bit of blood running down it from several large claw marks. Ron was still in his shapeshifter form, growling as he guarded Harry. It was only then, when Hermione knew they were both fine.
Hermione turned to Susan when she noticed how pale the Hufflepuff was and realized that she needed to pay attention to the loud argument behind her.
"I don't care what his provocation was Minerva, you cannot let that animal go around attacking people," Snape snarled.
"Mr. Weasley is not an animal Severus, and I will thank you to keep your prejudices to yourself. Mr. Weasley only responded to the attack on Mr. Potter by YOUR house members and as much as he should have let the staff handle it, I can well understand his reasons for doing what he did."
Professor Snape's sneer twisted his face in anger "I suppose since he was defending the Great Harry Potter he won't be punished as he should be?"
Professor McGonagall's face went white, "Mr. Weasley will be punished according to his transgression. I very much doubt that the same can be said for your charges. There is only one Professor at Hogwarts so twisted by hate from years past that he cannot treat students equally and it isn't me," she replied coldly.
Professor McGonagall turned to face the crowd, "Everyone back to your common room, no exceptions. Miss Granger, Miss Weasley, please take Mr. Potter to the hospital wing. Mr. Weasley, come with me."
With that she stormed off, Ron following behind her.
As Ron made his way down to breakfast all he could do is wonder how something could go so wrong as the Quidditch match did yesterday. McGonagall was so mad she had given him his detention on the field in front of the school. Spending the next ten hours cleaning the locker room by hand was not how he would have spent the rest of the evening. By the time he was finished all he felt like doing was going to bed and sleeping. All thoughts of celebration lost as Harry was still in the hospital wing.
Ron slept fitfully that night, visions of Malfoy attacking Harry repeating over and over in his mind. By the time he awoke it was late, and now he only hoped that he made it in time to eat breakfast.
The common room was empty as he headed towards the Great Hall. Ginny was probably with Harry in the Hospital wing. He only hoped Hermione had waited for him at breakfast.
When Ron walked through the doors to the Great Hall, it seemed like every head turned to look at him. Ron froze with surprise registering fear, anger, compassion, and hate from everyone, including the Professors, in the room. Just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore, Neville, Luna, and Susan approached him.
"Ron, ignore them," Susan whispered. "No matter what, don't give those horrible bigots the satisfaction."
"Susan, what's going on?" Ron asked as he followed them back to the table. He barely registered that Susan and Neville both had their hands openly on their wands as they watched the crowd.
Luna smiled up at the confused red head and mussed his hair, "People fear what they don't understand. It's so silly really, they just don't know how to look."
Ron's confusion grew as he sat down between Hermione and Susan. Neville and Luna joined him on the other side.
Ron looked over at Hermione and whispered, "Alright love?"
She smiled up at him, her eyes troubled, "I have something I need to show you."
Ron looked over to find the Daily Prophet laying on the table before her. Still no one spoke as they watched him. He looked at Neville, Seamus, and Dean who all seemed angry at the paper. Susan, Luna, and Hermione were worried. Ron slid the paper out from under Hermione's hands and moved it in front of him. It seemed as if the entire room took one large collective breath at the sound of the paper. Hermione turned the paper over to show him the front page, and he broke out in a cold sweat.
"Hogwarts Animal Boy Attacks Student"
A wild cackle filled the room grating on Ron's nerves as he tried to take in what he saw, it took Ron a full minute before he realized the laughter was coming from himself.