Disclaimer: I own nothing. All props to JK Rowling.

Chapter 12 – Perfection

Ron say in bed scratching his head. It was Saturday, and he was up before 6:00.

"Bloody hell," Ron said as he clambered out of bed.

He thought about waking Harry up to see if he fancied a few extra hours of practice. Ron looked over at Harry's bed and sighed. Just because he was up this early didn't mean he had to ruin what might be good dreams for someone else. He yawned as he pulled on his robes. He grabbed his broom and made his way downstairs.

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Hermione sighed and snuggled against Ron's chest. She didn't remember falling asleep with him, but waking up in his arms was unbelievably perfect. She snaked one arm around his waist to pull her closer to him and with her other hand she laced her fingers into his. She felt cool metal of a ring. She didn't remember him ever wearing a ring. Puzzled, she looked down at his hand. His hand was darker, and more weathered too. She was about to wake him up when she heard him speak.

"What the hell is going on?" His angry voice rang out through the common room.

Hermione sat up to see Ron standing a few feet in front of her. Confused, she looked back down at the couch. She smiled when she saw Harry. She remembered now.

"Ron," Hermione said as she stood up. "Good morning," she said as she kissed him.

Ron pulled away gruffly. He stared at her for a brief moment before pushing past her and exiting through the portrait hole.

Hermione started after him, but Harry grabbed her arm.

"Let me talk to him," he said.

"No, I can handle him. He's just upset," Hermione protested.

"Hermione, trust me. He's going to want an explanation from me eventually. I'll go and talk to him and we'll see you at lunch, ok?"

Hermione opened her mouth to argue but Harry gave her a look that could rival one of Professor McGonagall's.

Harry smiled at her and followed Ron's path out the portrait hole, only he didn't punch the wall as he walked out.

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Ron stormed out of the castle toward the quidditch pitch. He was furious.

"Where does she get off sleeping with Harry?" Ron thought irritably. "What the fuck was that? Hell…"

He got to the pitch and stared at it for awhile.

"FUCK!" he yelled, covering his face with his hands.He didn't understand.

They were doing so well. Why was she with Harry? Did they have something going on? Did Ron do something to upset Hermione and she was confiding in Harry? Why couldn't she tell him?

"Hey mate."

Startled, Ron turned around to see Harry standing a few feet away from him, hands stuffed in his pockets. The wind was blowing so fiercely that it took a great deal of strength for them to stand upright.

Ron had to stop himself from pummeling Harry. He knew it wouldn't solve anything, but it was the only thing he wanted to do right now.

"Look, you're upset, I know-"

"Upset? You think I'm just upset?" Ron glared at his so-called best friend.

"Ok, you're more than just upset," Harry admitted. "But Ron, you need to listen to me."

"Why?" Ron nearly shouted, outraged. "Why do I need to listen to someone who's trying to take the only thing that's good in my life away from me? Harry, don't you get it? You've got everything. You've got the fame, the glory, the money, EVERYTHING!! Why, just for once, can you not let me have something you don't?"

"You think this is about…? Ron! How can you be so thick! Tell me, when you realized that you loved Hermione, who did you come crying to?" Harry asked, removing his hands from his pockets and crossing his arms.

"I wasn't crying," Ron stated quietly.

"Whatever. You came straight to me and told me. Why did you tell me?"

"Because you… well, I thought you were at least, my best friend."

"Exactly. Who exactly did you expect Hermione to turn to?" Harry stared at his friend. He could see the wheels turning.

"She loves me?" Ron asked.

"Yes, you giant prat. She loves you. Now, about this morning," Harry started.

He had clearly lost Ron's attention. He was already walking back towards the castle, no doubt looking for Hermione.

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Hermione tried and tried to concentrate on her Potions essay. It was due in less than a week. If she didn't hurry, she might not get it done in time. True, she already had the length Snape had asked for, but she hadn't answered his questions in nearly enough detail. She gave herself a moment's break as she rested her head in her hands, rubbing her eyes.

She heard the scraping of a chair as the one next to her was pulled out. She heard someone sit down. She lifted her gaze to find Ron smiling at her.

"Hey," he said, taking one of her hands in his.

"Hi," Hermione managed to get out, swallowing a large lump in her throat. She knew Ron was angry with her.

"I'm sorry," Ron and Hermione said at the same time.

Hermione smiled. She leaned in and kissed Ron. When they pulled away, Ron placed his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her back to him.

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Across the library, a pair of gray eyes watched the sickening scene.

"You can do better than her. She's a mudblood," he tried to tell himself.

"No, I can't," he said out loud. "She's perfect. I'll never be allowed to have that."

(A/N: My reviewers!

Uasgigreenleaf657 – I have my plan of how it will end, (hopefully HrD…) but my wheels keep turning. Only one thing is certain. And that will happened in chapter 14, maybe 15 if I make the chapters too long. We'll just have to see.

Madnutterfan – You know what? I so dare leave the story there. Take that! My beta told me I had a mini-cliffy there on the end. I didn't think it was that mean. But the next 2/3ish chapters are outlined and being written. I hope to have… this one part…. out by Christmas. My present both to myself and to any readers.

Elsa – Oh my lovely Elsa! This chapter is now up thanks to you! Everyone, show this woman some love!

Loriency – Oh my!! I love being bombarded with multiple reviews! I know this took forever and I'm so, so sorry! But like I said, …this one part…should be out by Christmas. You might want to reserve some yelling until then.

Frenchhornplaya – The twist on the dream actually creeps me out a bit. No joke! Skeletons floating in the water! Eek! Here's a long awaited update for you. Thanks for sticking through with this story! You're great!)