A/N: Once again, I am INCREDIBLY sorry for taking so long. My life has been hectic lately. Anyhoo, thanks to my reviewers, you know who you are. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Do you really think I own anything other than the plot?

Last time:

"Your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is. . . .me," Dumbledore finished.

At this last remark, waves of conversation made it's way through the hall.

"Tuck in!" Dumbledore said, managing to be heard above the racket.

Chapter 4- Ron

Dishes upon dishes of wonderful smelling food embodied the table. Conversation ceased as the students began helping themselves to the delicious staples. Harry however didn't touch a thing. His green eyes were clouded over with confusion, as they gazed into the distance. After a few times of opening and closing his mouth, he finally spoke quiet words to the bushy haired girl next to him.

"Why do you think that Professor Dumbledore is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts?" Harry questioned.

"I'm not sure. Maybe he could find no one else to fill the position, considering what has happened to the last five. Or maybe he wants to have personal input into our defense education, since Voldemort is back, and the war is looming." Hermione replied.

"Your probably right. I. . . I, never mind."

"What Harry?"

"I just wish that Sirius were here." Harry said softly, tears forming in his vivid eyes."

"Oh Harry!" Hermione muttered caringly, as she reached her arms around him in a fierce hug. Seeing him crumble in her arms, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

Once again thankful that Hermione had always, and would always be there for him, Harry piled a bit of food onto his silver plate. Although he ate without tasting anything, his stomach began to fill up. When students began to trickle to their common rooms, Harry stood to his feet. Hermione mimicked him, and Harry took her hand in his. They began walking, Harry gently stroking her thumb as they did so.

"Gred and Forge," Harry said to the portrait of the Fat Lady when they reached the common room entrance. The painting slung open, revealing the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry helped Hermione into the doorway, and followed suit. Harry noticed a few things after their entrance. Ron had suddenly stopped speaking to Seamus Finningan. Ginny inched closer to Neville, and the bulletin notice on the board.

It read, "All Gryffindor House Quidditch players will please report to the Transfiguration classroom for a meeting with Professor McGonagall, immediately following breakfast in the morning."

After, a few seconds of contemplating this, he concluded that it was most likely a meeting to name the new Quidditch Captain. Considering that Angelina had graduated. Not sure whether he wanted the position or not, Harry filed the thought to the back of his head. There were more pressing matters at hand. Hermione and Ron. Remembering the bushy haired girl next to him, Harry led her to their favorite couch. Sitting down on the soft leather, Hermione snuggled up next Harry, and laid her head on his shoulder. She noted how it was slightly muscled, but not deformed. The perfect resting-your-head-on-his-shoulder shoulder.

Harry breathed in Hermione's scent. She smelled of cinnamon and roses, a weird yet mesmerizing fragrance. Having her this close to him, was intoxicating him, his senses were clouded over, and he was only aware of the beautiful girl next to him. He was snapped out of his reverie when she took a slow breath and began to talk.

"I'm so happy Harry. Yet, I'm so distressed. How's this possible?"

"I don't know. It's so weird. I miss Ron. He's my best friend I ever had. But now, I have you. And I'm happy," Harry replied.

Hermione answered this by quickly placing a kiss on Harry's lips. Then, she stood to her feet. Took a deep breath, and defiantly walked towards Ron. Harry stood dumbfounded. He awkwardly twidled his thumbs, and crossed and uncrossed his arms, as he tried to figure out Hermione's sudden departure. When the angry girl came up to the stormy redhead, she took him by the freckled arm and yanked him off the crimson recliner. Ron and the rest of the room looked stunned, as Hermione pulled Ron outside, with a strength no one knew she possessed.

As the portrait hole began to close, Harry broke out of his trance. He rushed towards the door, and caught hold of it, right before it slammed shut. The room breathed a sigh a relief, for now they could witness the spectacle. Then, a general intake of breath was heard, as Harry stood stunned. Hermione was kissing Ron Weasley.

A/N: Well? What did you think? Let me know by reviewing. The more reviews, the faster the updates! Muhaha. The next chapter should be up by the end of next week. See ya then!

BTW, the review on this story that came from my screenname. . . That was my sister being silly. So, ignore it if anyone saw it. Bye!