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Chapter 27
Ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two…one…
Nope. Nothing.
Hermione was lying on her bed lazily in the early morning hours; those hours that were specifically designed for thinking. The hours when the light coming through the windows was a pale, almost purple, color. For most of the holiday, Hermionehad usedthis quiet time to think about Ron. She would fill her mind with pleasant thoughts of him until she was happy and carefree. It was an excellent way to start the day.
However, Hermione's thoughts of Ron were only making her anxious on this particular morning. A couple of weeks ago, Harry and Ginny had made it quite obvious that they needed alone time to 'make up,' so Hermione and Ron had retreated to the third floor bedroom on that particular night. Fortunately, the floorboards had been fixed, so they could not see any details of Harry and Ginny's reunion.
She and Ron had then talked…mostly. They had discussed whether or not it was time to reveal their true feelings to Harry. After a fairly lengthy discussion, they had come to the conclusion that they would wait two more weeks…and that was two weeks ago. So, that made today, the day before they would make the trip to King's Cross Station. That made today, the day that they would tell Harry the interesting turn that her and Ron's relationship had taken.
So, Hermione was counting backward from ten. Ron had given her the idea. He had said that some thought it was a good way to calm one's nerves. It wasn't working. Hermione had counted from ten to one about fifty times and she was still fixating on her and Ron's discussion from two weeks ago. She was going over it again and again in her head, trying to make sure that they hadn't missed any important points.
They had first reminded themselves why they were hiding their feelings from Harry in the first place. Harry, Ron, and Hermione…that's the way it had always been. Just the three of them. They shared each other's secrets, hopes, fears, dreams, and…lives. It had always been a triangle of trust and dependability; a triangle that had been Harry's only true home.
Without the triangle, Hermione still had her parents and grandmother, Ron had his family, but Harry…he truly had no one. Of course, he could always go to Dumbledore or someone from the Order if he ever had a problem, but she and Ron knew that he wouldn't. Harry only seemed to trust her and Ron to listen to his problems without them judging him.
Although a romantic relationship with Ron wouldn't change any of Hermione's feelings for Harry, she knew that it would still cause a certain separation among their triangle. She and Ron would have an extra bond of shared secrets, hopes, fears, and dreams that Harry would be isolated from. How would Harry handle that? Could Harry handle that? Sirius had died less than a year ago…
Now, however, Harry had a bond that she and Ron weren't a part of. Harry and Ginny had secrets, hopes, fears, and dreams that would never be revealed to her or Ron. So, Hermione and Ron had decided that it was coming time to tell Harry about their own bond.
But…Harry and Ginny's reunion had almost seemed too good to be true. Harry had seemed so set in his ways; he had seemed so sure that he could not be with Ginny. And then, as quickly as he had refused her love, he had accepted it. For this reason, Hermione and Ron had decided to wait two weeks before telling him their secret. They had really gotten the hang of hiding their feelings while at Grimmauld Place anyway…what was two more weeks? Then they would know for sure that Harry and Ginny were together.
And now, two weeks after the peaceful dinner of Dobby's vegetable soup, it looked as though she and Ron could finally tell Harry. He and Ginny were inseparable. They were, once again, the adorable couple with the infectious cheerfulness. They had actually succeeded in infecting the whole household.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were overjoyed at the idea of Ginny dating Harry. Mrs. Weasley would get teary-eyed nearly every time she witnessed Harry giving her daughter a kiss. Mr. Weasley had begun referring to Harry as, 'son.' Ron would light up when his father did this with an adorable smile, which would then cause Hermione to light up. It reminded her of the comment Ginny made about her and Hermione being sisters one day. Maybe Ron and Harry would be brothers.
Even Tonks' hair was a brighter shade of pink lately. She seemed to enjoy just sitting back and watching Harry and Ginny's playful banter. Of course, anyone would! It wasn't the sickening type of flirtations that some couples participated in. Harry and Ginny wasted no time with 'shmoopsy whoopsies.' Their flirtations were simply charming! Sometimes Hermione would catch herself just staring at them and smiling.
At the present moment, however, Hermione was nervous and frowning. For the past two months, she and Ron had hidden their feelings very well. And over these months, she had continually reminded herself that not telling Harry was the right thing to do. So, naturally, there was still a part of her that was holding on to that presumption. There was a part of her saying, 'What if Harry hates the idea of me and Ron dating?' She knew she was being silly, but she couldn't help herself.
Glancing outside the window, Hermione saw that the light streaming in was now a bright yellow. Her purple 'thinking' light was gone, and it was time to get up and face the day. Yellow light meant that Dobby had already prepared breakfast for everyone. Mrs. Weasley had been given a nice two week holiday from cooking and cleaning, although, Hermione wasn't sure if Mrs. Weasley was actually enjoying the break. Hermione had spotted her a few times wiping the already clean table or rewashing the dishes.
Taking care not to wake Ginny, Hermione slowly rolled out of bed and made her way to the loo, where she showered, dressed, and threw her hair up into a bushy ponytail. She then began making her way to the staircase. The hall was completely silent; Hermione quite liked being the first out of bed. Everything was so peaceful. Once she reached the first step, however, she stopped. Smiling to herself, Hermione closed her eyes, envisioned the far corner of the basement kitchen, and…warm, swirling colors…
Pop! …
Pop! ...Crash!
"Bloody hell!"
Hermione quickly opened her eyes to see a wide-eyed Ron standing near the kitchen sink, with one hand clutching his chest. A broken plate was shattered on the floor at his feet. Apparently he had been about to fill it with the breakfast Dobby had prepared. Kippers, porridge, eggs, bacon, toast, and jam.
"Oh! Sorry!" Hermione exclaimed as her hand flew to her mouth in an attempt to hide an involuntary smile. With her other hand she quickly retrieved her wand, repaired the plate, and levitated it to sit atop the counter.
Rapidly recovering from his sudden scare, Ron smiled at her roguishly as he retrieved an ample amount of strawberry preserves from a bowl with his index finger.
"Ron, don't!" Hermione warned between giggles, backing up, as he began advancing toward her. Unfortunately she had decided to apparate herself into a corner, so there wasn't much 'backing up' that she could do. Of course, she could just apparate to the other side of the room…but this was more fun…
"You know, this isn't the first time you've made me jump out of my skin with this new skill of yours." He said as he came to stand about an inch from her, smiling and holding his finger threateningly close to her cheek. She could feel his body heat, and smell his freshly showered scent. Heavens, he smelled good! He must have used the second floor loo to shower while she used the one on the first floor. But Ron never woke this early!
Between her continuing laughs, Hermione managed to say, "I thought I was the only one awake at this hour, Ron! Don't!" Ron's smile plainly showed that he had every intention of wiping that jam on her clean face.
So purely out of desperation…and maybe a bit of bold flirtation … Hermione grabbed Ron's hand, took his finger in her mouth, and sucked off the sweet bit of jam. Staring into his magnificent blue eyes, Hermione saw Ron's playful smile immediately replaced by a shocked expression that seemed to cause his whole body to freeze. That small act of 'desperation' was much more exhilarating for Hermione than she had foreseen. Pleasant currents were sweeping through her body as she slowly removed his finger from her mouth, their gazes locked.
"Hermione Jane Granger!" Ron whispered in astonishment before he smiled broadly at her. Hermione suddenly felt her cheeks go very warm; she knew she was blushing like mad.
For some reason she suddenly felt very timid, as she asked the first question that came to her, "What are you doing up at this hour?"
Ron slid his warm, slightly calloused hands under her shirt to grab hold of her waist and pull her to him. He then bent down until he was breathing in her ear. "I think it has something to do with nerves, but I'm having trouble remembering much of anything at the moment." He said huskily…cue the chills…
He then placed a warm kiss on her neck directly below her ear. Hermione immediately felt a rush of raw excitement course through her veins.
She was about to turn her head to return a similar kiss, when she saw a pair of feet coming into view on the basement steps. She gasped slightly, and Ron pulled away to look down at her. But, before Ron even had time to raise a questioning eyebrow, Hermione had closed her eyes, and …
Pop! … Pop!
She was now on the other side of the kitchen. Ron looked a bit silly standing in the corner, but he quickly turned around with a slightly alarmed expression.
"Hey Ron." Harry said as he appeared at the bottom of the stairs. For some reason, Ron rushed forward to sit down in one of the wooden chairs around the table. Harry looked a bit confused as he asked, "What are you-…"
"Hi Harry." Hermione said suddenly, feeling as though she should make her presence known and interrupt Harry's question. Harry turned around quickly.
"Oh." He said looking slightly startled, "Hey, Hermione. I thought I heard someone apparate."
"Yeah, I just came from my room." Hermione said trying to sound casual.
"Really? I just came from there. Checking on Ginny…" Harry began slowly; Hermione's heart stopped as he looked from Ron to her. "But Hermione, I didn't see-…"
"Good morning, all!" Ginny said brightly, as she suddenly entered the kitchen. Hermione exhaled a long breath, and Ron gave her a relieved glance. Why were they so relieved at Ginny's interruption? Weren't they going to tell Harry everything today? This would have been as good a time as any, wouldn't it? No, Hermione thought, it wouldn't. Breaking the news to Harry with, 'Oh, Ron and I are in love and we were just about to start snogging. Too bad you interrupted,' didn't sound appropriate.
Harry's attention was fortunately drawn to Ginny, however, as he approached her and gave her a quick hug. He seemed to immediately forget the confusing scene that he had just stumbled upon. In no time, Harry and Ginny were basically unaware of Ron and Hermione's presence as they helped themselves to Dobby's smorgasbord. Ron and Hermione exchanged one more relieved glance before falling into line, although Hermione's heart was still beating rapidly…at two things. Almost being caught in the act…and…the actual act...
As the four of them sat around the scrubbed wooden table, eating Dobby's fantastically prepared breakfast, Hermione watched as a scene played out before her between Harry and Ginny. A scene that was becoming increasingly common among the two…
"Harry," Ginny began after a bite of toast, "Could you pass me the jam?"
"Sure." Harry said as he made to stand up, but Ginny grabbed hold of the bottom of his shirt and pulled him back down beside her.
"No, Harry. Do it the other way…please!" Ginny begged, nearly jumping up and down on her seat. Harry gave her a sweet smile, before shaking his head at her slightly.
"Alright." He said. Without speaking an incantation, he waved his hand toward the bowl of preserves and levitated it to the table to sit before Ginny, who smiled brightly at him.
Ron chuckled at his sister, as did Hermione. Ginny loved to find small tasks for Harry to do with his wandless magic. It thrilled her each and every time. Hermione knew that Harry didn't like showing off his talent, but since his and Ginny's reunion, he hadn't been able to refuse her anything. Ron would joke with them and say that Ginny was 'already spoiled from being the family's Ginny-Baby' and that now Harry was going to 'ruin her for good.'
Since Hermione, Ron, and Ginny had discovered that Harry could perform wandless magic, they had all asked him numerous questions about how it was done. He had attempted to explain it to them, but there didn't seem to be much to explain. Harry said that you just had to focus all of your attention on what you meant to do, and besides that you just had to believe that you could do it. It sounded very simple, but Hermione had attempted a few menial tasks without her wand to no avail. Ron and Ginny, of course, were underage so they could not attempt it. Though Hermione had a feeling that Ron would be able to do it easily.
Apparently, Harry hadn't truly believed that he could do it until after the night he blasted a hole in the ceiling. Something about knowing that he had done that with a simple stare had given him more confidence. So, Harry said that wandless magic had come easy to him after that. He said that he and Lupin had then practiced silent dueling throughout the week he spent at Hogwarts.
Harry had also tried to explain this technique, but it sounded a bit more complicated to Hermione than wandless magic. Lupin had told Harry that all of your internal powers had to feed off of your emotion. When wizards duel, they focus all of their emotions and thoughts into their wands. That's what causes the lights to shoot out of their wand tips. These lights were called Magic Bursts, which Hermione already knew from reading some short chapters on dueling from past Defense Against the Dark Arts textbooks.
Lupin had said that if Harry had pulled his wand out and focused all of his angry thoughts into it the night he blew her up his Aunt Marge, it would have shot a magic burst straight at her. But he had also said that some wizards never master the art of dueling because they cannot focus their energy. Without proper focus, you could end up hurting yourself. You won't be able to keep your composure or aim, and your magic bursts can even backfire. So, the thought of attempting to duel made Hermione more than a bit anxious. She hadn't even been able to make a proper Shield Charm in their bi-weekly defense classes. How would she be able to duel without incantations?
"Hermione?"
Hermione looked up to see Harry, Ginny, and Ron staring at her. "Oh…sorry? Did someone say something?" She asked quickly.
"Oh, we only asked you…five times…whether or not you've packed." Ginny said.
Ron was looking at her worriedly. She attempted a casual smile, "I was daydreaming about Dobby's excellent cooking, but in answer to your question, no, I haven't."
Ginny and Harry chuckled slightly, and looked convinced. Ron, on the other hand, raised one eyebrow at her. She felt herself blush as she looked away from him to take a bite of her kipper. Just then Mrs. Weasley entered the kitchen looking cheerful and well rested.
"Good morning, dears." Mrs. Weasley said, as she crossed to the food to make her own plate, "Oh Ginny, that blue jumper you asked for…I've almost finished knitting it."
"Oh, really?" Ginny asked excitedly.
"Yes, but I'd like for you to try it on before I put on the finishing touches. I'm not quite sure about the length of the sleeve."
"Alright. I'm finished anyway. Where is it?" Ginny said as she rose from her seat.
"It's in mine and your father's room, atop the dresser." She replied casually. Ginny smiled and kissed Harry atop his head, before quickly ascending the stairs. Mrs. Weasley finished fixing her plate, and then followed after her daughter.
Hermione glanced at Ron; he was actually looking at her intently. She knew what he was thinking. This was it. They were alone with Harry. They might not get another moment alone with him all day.
Hermione took a deep breath, her heart was in her throat…and…
"I need to talk to you two." Harry said unexpectedly, pushing his empty plate forward; it disappeared along with Ginny's abandoned plate. "Mine and Ron's room, alright?" Before she or Ron could object, Harry had apparated from his seat with a crack.
Ron gave her a perplexed expression, before quickly standing from his chair. "What's he on about?"
"No idea." Hermione said, as her stomach turned sickeningly, "Well…maybe I do have an idea… but I hope I'm wrong."
Hermione rose for the door, but Ron grabbed her hand. "Hey, what were you so troubled over earlier? It wasn't Dobby's cooking…You were oblivious to everything."
Hermione averted her eyes from his gaze. She didn't really know why, but she didn't want to talk about her inability to perform well in Defense Against the Dark Arts. So, she replied hastily, "Later, Ron…um…Harry needs us." Ron looked unsatisfied, but before he could press her further…
Pop!
Ron and Hermione were seated on his bed, awaiting an explanation from Harry, who was standing in the middle of the room, gazing out of the window. Ron had arrived after Hermione, of course, who had suspiciously apparated out of his presence without explaining to him what she had been thinking over breakfast. So, he was now worried about Hermione's unspoken thoughts, as well as whatever Harry had in store for them. What could be both urgent and confidential from Ginny? Hermione had said that she had an idea. So did he. His stomach twisted painfully.
"Listen," Harry began quietly, continuing to stare out the window, "I've decided that once we return to Hogwarts…Ginny and I will have to hide our feelings for one another."
"Harry…" Hermione began.
"Hermione, let me finish before you tell me what a bad idea it is," Harry said sternly, "I know that there are people in that school that are watching me. They see who's close to me, and they target them…on Voldemort's orders. Imagine if they got wind that my best friend's sister was also my girlfriend."
"So, are you going to stop hanging around us now?" Hermione spat smartly.
Harry sighed, "I have been friends with both of you for six years, Hermione." He said incredulously. "Do you honestly think that there is any chance that Voldemort doesn't already know that? Or have you forgotten what happened over New Year's?"
"No." Hermione said quietly. Ron glanced at Hermione, who was now staring at her knees. He didn't really appreciate Harry's last comment; that wasn't necessary.
Attempting to ignore this, however, Ron began quietly, "But couldn't you just…" Ron sighed and shifted nervously, "Couldn't you two hide your feelings from everyone…except each other?" He felt Hermione look up at him then.
"That's what I plan to do, actually, but I don't know how to tell Ginny." Harry said sadly. "Do you think she'll consent to having a secret relationship with me? I mean, what if she stops eating again? Or what if…what if she gives up on me…and moves on? I can't expect her to be willing to just keep our relationship on hold until I kill Voldemort."
"Harry, she won't give up on you." Hermione began, "Ginny might be disappointed. She might even become angry with you, but as long as you don't refuse her completely…like before…I think it will work."
"But what if we can't make it work?" Harry asked, now beginning to sound a bit desperate, "What if we can't hide our feelings? What if I won't be able to hide the way I feel about her unless I ignore her completely?"
"You can." Ron and Hermione said simultaneously. Ron felt his cheeks go red as Hermione looked down nervously.
"How?" Harry asked, almost urgently. He was apparently too distressed to take note of the oddity of Ron and Hermione offering him the same answer at the same time.
"Well, you will just have to find alone time here and there…time where you don't have to pretend that she's just your friend." Hermione began slowly, "There's the boy's dormitory, unused lavatories, and the Quidditch locker room." Ron turned to her with a sudden urge to smile, which he refused himself. It sounded as if Hermione might have already thought these things through…
"Yes." Harry began gloomily, "But there are also our roommates, Moaning Murtle, and the Quidditch team."
"You're not even going to let on your feelings to fellow Gryffindors?" Ron asked in disbelief.
"Ron, have you forgotten how fast word travels in Hogwarts?" Harry asked with slight exasperation. "Ginny and I meet up in the dormitory, Seamus sees us, Seamus tells Lavender or Parvati, they talk about it loudly at lunch, and BAM! Everyone knows."
Ron frowned. "Yeah…I guess I see what you're-…"
"Your invisibility cloak!" Hermione interrupted excitedly. Harry raised one skeptical eyebrow. "No, listen! Ginny's dorm mates see her get in bed and close the curtains, but they don't see her sneak out of bed. They don't see her sneak down the girl's staircase and into the sixth year boy's dormitory. And no one sees her…well …" Hermione suddenly turned scarlet, "… enter your bed."
Ron couldn't contain this smile. And even Harry was smiling slightly now. Hermione continued, seemingly encouraged by their expressions, "With the invisibility cloak, you two could sneak into Hagrid's hut for visits over tea, secret passages for…well, secrets…and even the Room of Requirement for…whatever you require!"
"Hey, Harry!" Ron began smiling broadly, "I think our Hermione's on to something, don't you?" Hermione blushed again, but Harry's smile was fading slightly.
"I think it sounds brilliant, Hermione." Harry began slowly, "But I don't want Ginny to have to be in a stressful, secret relationship with me…"
Hermione sighed with frustration, "Harry, you and Ginny are made for each other. She is going to do whatever it takes to stay with you, even if she isn't especially keen on the idea at first. Besides…" Hermione cut her eyes very briefly in Ron's direction, "I think a secret relationship sounds a bit exciting."
Harry still looked unconvinced. Ron felt his ears and cheeks grow warm at Hermione's words. But just then Ginny appeared in the doorway. Harry, Hermione, and Ron all looked up at her with slightly guilty expressions. It was one of those moments where no matter what expression any of them made, they wouldn't look completely innocent.
"Have I interrupted something?" Ginny asked blandly with an extremely suspicious look at Harry.
"Ginny…" Harry began softly, "Um…I need to talk with you about something."
Ginny's eyes immediately began to fill with tears. "Harry…no…" She whispered. Harry closed the space between them without a moment's hesitation and grabbed hold of her hands.
"Ginny, please don't cry." He whispered, "It's not what you think, alright? I promised you that I would never push you away again." Ginny sniffed as she looked at Harry somewhat hopefully with wide and watery eyes. Harry turned to look at Ron and Hermione, "We're going to go down to the drawing room for a bit..." Harry then placed one arm about Ginny's waist as he led her from the room.
Hermione sighed softly before turning abruptly to Ron, "Now what?"
"Now what…what?" Ron asked. Hermione looked up at him sadly.
"Now what do we do if Ginny won't agree to Harry's terms for their relationship?" She asked softly. Ron realized that Hermione's reassurances to Harry that everything would work out had been partially feigned.
"She will." Ron said firmly.
"How do you know?"
"I know." He said evenly. And somehow, he really thought that he did. Hermione gave him a calculating look, but her face seemed to soften a bit, as if she thought he sounded credible enough.
"So what do we do in the meantime?" Hermione asked.
"We wait for the next opportunity to tell Harry."
Hermione nodded at him slowly. She looked fairly despondent, but Ron gave her a small smile, "I thought secret relationships sounded exciting to you." She gave him the tiniest of smiles as she rolled her eyes at him.
"I…well, I've been really nervous about telling Harry…" She began quietly, "…but once we were so close to telling him down in the basement, I guess I began to get excited at the idea of not hiding anymore."
Ron had a huge urge to kiss her then, but he reached out to clasp her hand, "Me too." He said sincerely. Their gazes locked as they exchanged meaningful smiles.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Ron quickly released Hermione's hand to see his father standing in the doorway with a faint smile. To Ron's complete surprise, he was holding…
"Crookshanks!" Hermione gasped as she stood up from the bed. "Oh … my … goodness! I completely forgot! Has he been at the Burrow this entire time?"
Ron's father set Crookshanks on the floor before smiling at Hermione, "Not to worry. He's been quite content chasing about the gnomes and such. I just happened upon him this morning. I stopped by the Burrow long enough to pick up some things and have a quick look around." Crookshanks began slowly weaving around Mr. Weasley's legs.
"How is everything at home?" Ron asked hesitantly.
"Everything appears to be untouched." Mr. Weasley said. "I haven't really decided on whether or not to remain at Grimmauld Place once you kids get back to Hogwarts…Your mother and I will have to discuss it."
Ron simply nodded as his father continued, "Anyway! Here's Mr. Crookshanks for you, Hermione. Now I'm going to see what old Dobby has whipped up for us this morning." And with that he left the room. Crookshanks strutted over to Ron's trunk at the foot of his bed, where he then jumped atop it and laid down lazily.
Hermione was staring at Crookshanks and shaking her head absently, "I'm a horrible person." She said plainly.
Ron chuckled at her, but when her bland expression didn't change he realized that she wasn't joking. "Hermione? You're not serious…" He said incredulously.
"Ron! I abandoned him, and he's my responsibility…my pet!" She exclaimed, and then whispering as if Crookshanks might hear her and take offense, "I never gave him a second thought. It's been nearly two whole months!" Ron was just gaping at her; she actually looked teary-eyed.
"Hermione." Ron began calmly, standing up beside her and tucking a stray hair behind her ear, "You are not a horrible person. You're a wonderful person, and a tragedy occurred two months ago! I forgot about him, too. We all did."
"But, Ron…he's mine. I feel awful." She said miserably, looking down at her feet.
"I forget about Pig all the time. Like now…where is he? I don't know."
Hermione looked up at him then, and twisted her mouth to hide a smile. "Ron, you know Pig's in the drawing room with Hedwig."
"He is?" Ron said in mock-astonishment. Hermione giggled a little. "Hey," He began a bit more serious now, "Just give Crookshanks a hug, and he'll forgive you. It would work on me."
Hermione gave him an adorable grin before she turned to Crookshanks and approached him slowly, "Crookshanks..." She said timidly as she reached down for him. He allowed himself to be lifted into her arms. Hermione then nuzzled him slightly and kissed him on his squashed, ginger-haired face.
Ron realized that he was absently smiling at Hermione when she turned to look up at him. Still holding a somewhat limp Crookshanks in her arms, Hermione rose up on her tiptoes and placed a light kiss on Ron's cheek.
It was times like these, when Ron's heart fluttered at the simplest of things, that he wanted to just forget about keeping anything hidden, scoop Hermione up into his arms, and spin her around…or give her an endless shower of kisses. But, Ron thought, I know that Ginny will accept Harry's offer. And then…we can safely tell Harry everything. They could safely tell Harry that they had fallen in love somewhere along the way and that they hoped he would understand. Ron's heart fluttered once more before he and Hermione exited his room.
Hermione was sitting at the entrance hall's chess table, staring down at the small white chess pieces in front of her. There weren't very many left. Although Ron still had most of his black pieces. She just really didn't understand how to use strategy in this game. If it weren't for the charming expressions of concentration Ron made when they played, she would probably never consent to playing a game with him.
At the moment, however, she might have consented to anything that might pass the time quicker. Harry and Ginny had been up in the drawing room all day…afternoon…and now, evening. They had only come out for meals, only to go right back upstairs. They weren't snogging, either. Well, not the entire time at least…they had left the door open and Hermione had walked by several times to see them sitting upon one of the sofas, talking.
Hermione and Ron had guessed that Ginny didn't take Harry's news too well at first. At lunch she had seemed very quiet and sulky. Hermione hadn't been surprised. She knew that Ginny would most likely put up a fight and insist that she didn't care if Voldemort found out about them. However, Harry must have convinced her to accept his terms because by dinnertime, they were both being very polite to one another, and Ginny even smiled a few times. Of course, this might have meant that Harry had accepted Ginny's terms, but Hermione highly doubted that. Harry had fallen in love with Ginny, and he had fallen hard. He wasn't going to let anything happen to her if he could help it.
"Ron, I can't concentrate on this anymore." Hermione said suddenly. It had been her turn for at least ten minutes, and she hadn't even thought about the game at all in that time. Ron was looking at her with a small smile. He was slouched low in his chair and he had his head propped up on his fist.
"Stop looking at me like that, Ron." She said quietly. He furrowed his brow slightly.
"Why?"
"Because it makes me want to kiss you, and I can't." She whispered, indicating toward Mad-Eye's slumped form on the couch with a jerk of her head. She knew she was pouting, but she was really not in a good mood right now.
"Hermione, it won't be long, alright?" Ron said softly. "I'm anxious to tell Harry, too, but he and Ginny need this time together, don't they? I mean, we'll sort of be trading places with them shortly. They'll have the secret relationship…and we won't."
Hermione nodded slowly. He was right of course, and Hermione really didn't understand why she felt so incredibly gloomy. She guessed it was because she had been awaiting today for two weeks…thinking that after this day she and Ron would not have to hide anything from Harry anymore. But…now it wasn't looking so good. Now it looked as though they would be hiding their feelings for at least one more day. And who knew when they would have time alone with Harry tomorrow! They would awake, travel to the train station, arrive at Hogwarts, have the start-of-term feast, and then it would be time for bed!
With a heavy sigh, Hermione closed her eyes to Ron's beautiful, blue, and slightly worried gaze…
Ten…nine…eight…
Ron was contemplating reaching across the chessboard and kissing Hermione despite Moody's presence. She looked very troubled. But before he could make up his mind, Harry and Ginny began descending the stairs. They both looked content as they made their way toward he and Hermione, hand-in-hand.
"Your chances aren't looking so great, Hermione." Harry said as they approached the chess table. Hermione looked up at him with a small smile.
"It's impossible to beat Ron at this game." Hermione said matter-of-factly before turning to give him a smile.Ron felt a surge of delight run through him at her compliment.
"Hmph. Ah…hell. I need a scotch."
They all looked up to see Mad-Eye chuck his copy of The Stealth down roughly on the tattered, green couch before standing up and hobbling down the basement stairs to the kitchen.
Ginny raised one eyebrow, went to the couch, snatched up the abandoned paper, and sat down. She quickly scanned the front page and her eyes grew to twice their original size.
"What?" Ron asked apprehensively. Harry rushed over to sit beside her and peer over her shoulder. After he scanned the page, he sat back against the back cushions of the sofa.
"Terry Boot." Harry said darkly.
"The new Quidditch commentator?" Ron asked quickly.
Ginny looked up slowly from the paper, "He's…dead…his whole family."
"No…" Hermione breathed, her mouth falling open slightly. "He's a…" She stopped and looked down at her knees.
"He's a what, Hermione?" Ron asked, suddenly finding it slightly hard to breathe.
"A Muggle-born." Ginny said quietly. Ron felt as if a disgustingly cold cement had just been poured down his throat and into his chest. Ginny stood up then and crossed to Hermione, "Oh, me and my big mouth. Hermione, I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for?" Ron said harshly, "It has nothing to do with her." Ginny looked at him sadly before returning to her seat on the couch beside Harry, who was being very quiet.
Ron hadn't meant to snap at his sister, but this really didn't affect Hermione! She was in no more danger now than she was before Boot and his family had been killed. Ginny and Harry were probably just scaring her more by acting so…grim.
Hermione was still looking down at her knees. Blimey, he wanted to embrace her…
"Sir?"
All four of them looked down to see Dobby approaching them from behind the couch. He was addressing Harry.
"Yes, Dobby?" Harry asked quietly.
"Dobby doesn't mean to be discourteous or to interrupt Harry Potter's friends, but Dobby does have a question." He cleared his throat before continuing, "Dobby has begun to wonder, sir, why Harry Potter keeps the portrait of that bad and dark witch."
"Oh, it won't come down, Dobby." Harry said, "Don't worry about it. It's alright."
"But sir, it will come down." Dobby said with a slight smile.
"No, Dobby. We've honestly tried everything." Harry replied.
Dobby began hopping from one foot to the other, "But if Dobby could get it down, Harry Potter would be pleased?"
Harry looked as if he were growing a bit impatient. "I suppose, Dobby." Dobby smiled brightly and turned to walk toward the portrait.
Dobby looked up at the painting and pointed a long, thin finger at it. Suddenly, a bright blue burst shot out of his finger and impacted with the painting, which promptly fell to the floor with a soft thud. Harry stood up from the couch, his mouth partway open in shock.
"Dobby…how did you do that?" He asked in awe.
Dobby smiled at Harry and shrugged, "Magic, sir."
Ron had heard that house-elves had special magical abilities that witches and wizards did not. He didn't know much about them, though. Actually, he only knew two things that they could do that humans couldn't. They could apparate inside of Hogwarts, and apparently, they could remove stubborn, seemingly non-removable items from walls.
"Thanks, Dobby…" Harry said, quickly crossing to the painting. He bent down to look at it. "Dobby, where's Mrs. Black?"
Dobby actually giggled slightly, "Oh, sir, unwanted witches and wizards do not remain in their frames once they're removed from the wall."
"Oh." Harry said plainly. "That makes sense."
"So where did she go?" Hermione asked quietly. Ron thought she looked a bit pale.
"She's gone, Miss. Mrs. Black's painting is no more." Dobby replied.
Harry rose then, but the frame fell face forward onto Harry's foot. He looked down at it and his brow furrowed slightly. He then squatted back down beside it, "Ron…come look at this." He said slowly.
Ron stood quickly from his seat and crossed to squat beside Harry. Hermione and Ginny were close behind. There was something taped on the back of the painting. But, the thick, brown tape covered the object completely.
Harry reached down and pulled slightly; it came off rather easily. Ron couldn't see very well while Harry was pulling the tape off of the object, but once Harry was finished…he was holding a large, curved dagger.
"Whoa." Ron said looking in awe at the hidden treasure. Its handle was about six inches long and wrapped in black, leather. It also had a black, leather sheath and strap. Harry removed the blade from the sheath to reveal an eight-inch long shiny, silver metal edge.
"How long do you suppose it's been back there?" Harry asked.
"I dunno, mate." Ron said as he stared at the blade. "A while I reckon. Possibly the same amount a time that portrait's been on the wall, which could be ages." Ron looked up at the bare wall where the picture had been. There was now a large square of dark green, embroidered wallpaper. Ron guessed the greenish-brown wallpaper in the rest of the entrance hall had looked like that small patch at one time.
"I don't like it." Hermione said suddenly. She was glaring at the dagger as if were some evil creature. Ron stood up beside her; Ginny was glaring at the dagger as well.
"Come on, you two." Ron said with a slight smile, "It's just an ancient dagger. I think it's kind of cool.
"Well, of course you do." Ginny snarled. "You're a boy."
Ron rolled his eyes at his sister, but then he caught Hermione's eye. The look she was giving him was a bit scary. Her jaw was set, her lips were pursed, and her eyes were squinted slightly. Uh oh…
"I'm keeping it." Harry said suddenly."Harry!" Ginny and Hermione said together, casting Harry disapproving stares. Harry ignored them, however.
"Dobby," Harry said, looking down at the elf, "If you put the frame back on the wall, will Mrs. Black return?"
"No, sir." Dobby said.
"Well, then…I want you to put the frame back on the wall, and if anyone asks you about Mrs. Black, tell them that she has…crossed over or gone toward the light…or whatever it is unwanted paintings do. But don't tell them about this dagger, alright?"
"Yes, sir. Dobby understands, sir." Dobby said hastily before turning toward the painting and levitating it back onto the wall.
"Harry," Hermione began matter-of-factly, "I really don't think you should have anything to do with that dagger unless you know exactly-…"
Harry sighed heavily, "Hermione, it's a dagger. It was probably in the Black family for a long time."
"Then why was it hidden behind a portrait with a permanent sticking charm on it?" Hermione asked smartly.
"I don't know, Hermione." Harry began with slight exasperation, "Probably because it's worth a lot of money or something. What do you think about it, Ron?" Harry asked turning to him.
Oh crap, Ron thought. What did he think? He honestly thought it was a cool looking dagger that he would personally keep, but Hermione was still giving him that evil look. "I…I would keep it if it were me." He said honestly. Hermione's eyes went wide; he looked away.
"See." Harry said plainly.
"Well," Ginny began, "I guess it does look harmless…you just be careful, Harry." She said warningly. But then that was it. She grabbed Harry's hand and smiled at him.
Ron's mouth dropped open. That was it? He knew that Harry was getting off way easier than he was going to once he and Hermione were alone again. He should have just said it was a horrible idea.
"Well, I'm a bit tired." Hermione said suddenly; she wasn't looking at him, and Ron could tell that she was trying to sound casual. "I guess I'm going to turn in for the night. We've got an early train tomorrow."
Pop!
Ron, Harry, and Ginny exchanged quick glances. "I guess she's a bit angry with me." Harry said with a frown. No she isn't, Ron thought, she's angry with me.
"She'll forget about it by tomorrow." Ginny said. No she wouldn't! Ron thought. Were they talking about the same Hermione Granger that just apparated up to her room? Hermione retreated to her bed to hide from him because she was angry. How would he get any sleep knowing that she was ill with him?
Harry and Ginny began ascending the stairs, so Ron followed. As Ron expected, Harry walked into the girls' room to wish Ginny goodnight. Ron couldn't rightly follow him in there. That would look very odd and suspicious. Grudgingly, Ron made his way up to his and Harry's room. This was awful.
Hermione was lying in her bed, pretending to be asleep as Harry and Ginny said their goodnights. As soon as she had apparated, she had hastily changed into her pajamas and jumped under the covers. She could now hear whispering and a few kisses, but mostly she just heard angry static in her ears. Harry had found a mysterious dagger taped to the back of a dark, pureblood witch's portrait, and he and Ron had not felt at all suspicious! What was it Ron had said? 'I would keep it if it were me?' Argh! Hermione could not believe him!
The door had just closed. Harry had left, and Ginny had gotten in her bed. Hermione sighed and rolled over on her side. She supposed it was pretty harsh of her to just apparate without saying anything to Ron, but he had made her so angry. And, she had already been in a bad mood.
She and Ron had not had the chance they wanted to tell Harry about their romantic feelings for one another. Her anxiety about revealing the truth had finally turned into excitement and eagerness, but then they could not get Harry away from Ginny long enough to tell him. Then, there was that Muggle-born killing. That had really bothered Hermione even though she hadn't said anything toher friends... So far, there had been many Muggles and Muggle-borns killed in the war, but no students. To Hermione's knowledge, Terry Boot was the first Muggle-born, Hogwart's student to lose his life at the hands of a Death Eater. It made Hermione shiver.
And then! Then Harry had found that strange dagger. It just gave Hermione the creeps… Well, there was nothing she could do about any of that now… she would just have to try and fall asleep so that tomorrow would come. And hopefully, tomorrow would be a better day. She was actually very sleepy, but then again she had so many horrible thoughts swimming around in her mind…but then again she was so very sleepy…
…Where am I? Hermione thought as she looked around a strange room. A circular room…that's odd. And so many doors…twelve of them. They don't have handles, though…that's also a bit odd. The floor … hmm …it's very shiny. It almost looks like water.
I should open one of these doors…but which one…oh! They're spinning…This was all beginning to look very familiar, but why couldn't she place it? Wait. The doors have stopped spinning, but now they all have red X's on them…except for one.
Hmm…I guess that's the way I have to go.
Hermione reached forward to push at the handle-less, black door and surprisingly it opened. But there was nothing there but complete blackness. Fear began to rise in Hermione's chest painfully. This place was too familiar. She knew exactly where she was.
Suddenly Hermione realized that she wasn't looking at complete blackness through the open door. But a completely black figure…She raised her head slowly…it was a man in a black cloak…with a black mask…
He raised his wand and slashed it across her chest. A purple flame passed over her…and then everything went black…
Hermione sat straight up in her bed. Her throat was dry and sore. She was breathing very heavily and there was sweat covering her face and arms. For a horrifying moment, she didn't know where she was, but then everything seemed to come back to her in a wave. The Department of Mysteries…Dolohov…it was just a nightmare.
"Hermione?"
"Tonks?"
Hermione looked toward the door. Tonks was standing there motioning for her to come out into the hallway. Hermione quickly got out of her bed and padded out of her bedroom, her bare feet cold on the floor.
"Are you alright?" Tonks asked worriedly. "I heard you gasp."
"Oh…I…I had a nightmare." Hermione said. "Did I gasp loud enough for you to hear me out here?"
"Yeah. You gave me a fright." Tonks said, before twisting her mouth to one side. "Go ahead."
"What?" Hermione asked; she was honestly confused.
"You're young and in love…and you've just had a bad dream." Tonks smiled slightly. "In thirty seconds or less, you're going to be dying to see Studly Cannons."
Hermione blushed, unable to contain a smile. Actually, seeing Ron did sound rather appealing to her right now. "Thanks, Tonks." She said sincerely. Tonks just shrugged.
Hermione wasted no time in hurrying up to the second floor. The boys' door was partway closed. It wasn't until Hermione was standing outside the door that she realized she was wearing a pair of cotton pajamas. It was a tank and shorts. She didn't feel exactly comfortable in this outfit now that she thought about it. She'd never worn shorts in front of Ron before. Oh well, Hermione thought as she inched inside the room, it's dark.
"Ron?"
Ron's eyes shot open; he sat straight up and looked to his side. His eyes had not adjusted, but he knew that voice.
"Hermione?" He reached a hand out and he felt her small, cool hand clasp his. His eyes were adjusting now; she was sitting on the edge of his bed. Sitting on his bed in a sleeveless top…and…shorts! Was he dreaming? Shaking his head slightly, he found his voice again, "Hermione, what's happened?" He whispered urgently.
"Nothing…I just…" She looked down and shrugged, "I had a nightmare."
"A nightmare?" Ron asked breathlessly. He felt a huge sigh of relief pass through him. "Blimey, Hermione…you scared me."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have woken you."
"No! No, I'm really glad you did." He said honestly. She smiled at him. Hermione had come to him in the middle of the night because of a nightmare. He had to embrace her. Leaning back against his headboard, he said softly "Come here."
She quickly hoisted her legs up on the bed and wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder. He wrapped both arms around her. His eyes traveled from her delicate feet all the way up her body. Her small, ivory legs were just lying there…perfect. He squeezed her a bit tighter.
"You're beautiful, Hermione…have I ever told you?" He whispered. She lifted her head to look at him with a small smile.
"Once…in the shed at your house." She said.
"Just once?" He asked incredulously. He thought it all the time, everyday…had he really only said it once? "Well, that won't do, will it?"
She smiled a bit bigger at him before she scooted in as close as she could get. She then lifted her lips to his to give him a soft kiss. He returned the favor with a longer kiss as he brushed his fingers down her arm.
"You have chills." He said softly. She nodded timidly, which made him chuckle. They gazed at one another for a moment before he asked, "What did you dream?"
She swallowed hard and laid her head back down on his shoulder, "I was alone in the Department of Mysteries…and…Dolohov killed me." Ron closed his eyes as a wave of anger and trepidation washed through him. He held her to him tightly and kissed her on the forehead.
"I'm sorry, Hermione." He whispered before tenderly grabbing her chin and lifting her face to his for another kiss. Hermione unexpectedly deepened their kiss and one of her hands moved smoothly from the collar of his flannel shirt, down his chest, and around his waist. His breathing began to quicken as it always did whenever he and Hermione started kissing, and he had a very strong urge to pull her underneath the covers with him. But she suddenly pulled away.
"Ron…" She began quietly. "I really don't like that dagger."
Ron closed his eyes for a moment. Shoot…he'd forgotten about that. "Hermione…I was only answering Harry truthfully."
"So, you really would've taken it?" She asked with a hint of fear in her voice.
"Yes." He said simply. He felt her pull away a bit more, but he quickly grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back against him. "I don't think so."
"Ron…""Hermione, what if I tell Harry that I think he should get that dagger checked out?" He asked; she looked up at him with a slight frown. Maybe he should say something more… "And…I won't tell him that I think it's cool anymore." Okay, Ron thought, I think I saw a tiny smile… "And…I'll tell him that I think it's a really ugly knife that only a prat would carry around."
She giggled then and buried her head into his chest to stifle it. He squeezed her to him, and once again, looked down at her ivory legs. "Hermione…" He began slowly. She looked up at him, smiling, "I have to ask you something…"
"What?" She asked, sounding a bit apprehensive. Ron then reached down and twiddled with the hem of her shorts.
"Why have you been hiding these? They're amazing..."
"My shorts? Ron they're-…"
"No. Your legs." He whispered, brushing the back of his hand across her thigh. It was too dark to tell, but Ron was sure that he was making her blush that lovely rouge color.
She laid her head back on his shoulder, but to Ron's surprise, one of her small hands slid underneath his shirt. She glided it smoothly up his chest to rest on his sternum. "Why do you hide this?" She whispered softly in his ear.
Ron immediately realized that he wasn't going to be able to speak after Hermione glided her hand over his barren chest. So, he instead pulled her against him with the arm that was around her waist. Resting his forehead on hers, he used his fingertips on his free hand to gently trace over her lips before he took her lips with his. Hermione's fingers began tracing circles along his chest as their kisses grew in passion. Ron somehow felt warm all over, while at the same time, chills were erupting all over his chest and arms.
"Psst!"
They broke apart rather quickly and looked toward the door.
Tonks entered the room and walked quietly to stand before his bed. She then whispered. "Um…okay the Chastity Fairy is here to collect a Miss Hermione Granger, whose time with Mr. Ron Weasley is hereby up."
Ron's face, ears, and neck began to boil. He and Hermione exchanged quick glances before Hermione began to pull from his embrace and scoot off the bed. Tonks shook her head at them slightly before leaving the room.
"Well…bye, I guess." Hermione whispered as she stood by his bed. Ron quickly scooted out from underneath the covers to stand beside her. He then leaned down and embraced her, giving her a few quick kisses on her slender neck.
"Goodnight." He said in her ear before pulling away. She rose on her toes to plant a kiss on the corner of his mouth before turning to leave. He allowed himself to take in her appearance as she strode from the room turning at the door to give him a small wave.
Ron then turned and sunk back down on his bed. Tomorrow, he thought suddenly. We have to tell Harry tomorrow. That middle-of-the-night visit was too fantastic to not repeat in the future. After all, Ginny and Hermione could both fit underneath Harry's invisibility cloak…
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Oh my gosh! I thought I would NEVER get this chapter posted! It was difficult for me to do b/c I had to wrap up two weeks into a chapter covering one day. So, I hope it didn't seem too choppy. Also, I am traveling out of towntomorrow to visit a friend. So, I will not post a chapter tomorrow unless I find McGonagall's time-turner. :) I might be able to post it at like 3 am or something, but I'm just not sure, yet. Well, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter! I'm excited about the next one! Thanks for the reviews...soooo much!