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Depression

Chapter 7 (7 chapters already? Wow.)

Let's Play Pretend part 2

Ginny and Draco reached the Great Hall, still holding hands. He whispered in her ear, "Remember we have to sit together at the Gryffindor table to show that we're serious about this." Ginny smiled and nodded, whispering back, "We should sit right in front of Dean. It'll make the impact greater on him." He thought for a moment and then said, "We don't want to be too obvious, you know." She nodded again and whispered, "Okay, okay. It was just a suggestion." He replied back, still whispering, "And it was a good suggestion. I recommend we sit near, but not right by." She nodded once more as they arrived at her spot at the table. They sat down, still holding hands. Ginny took a quick glance down the table and saw that many people were gawking at them. One in particular, Dean, was watching with wide-eyed interest. Ginny smiled inside, glad that Draco's plan was working.

On the way down to breakfast, Harry said to Hermione, "We can't make a big scene about the whole Cho thing." Hermione stopped and looked at him, saying, "What do you mean?" Harry, who had kept walking, turned around and stared at her, "We can't make a big scene about the whole Cho thing."

"I heard you the first time. What I'm asking is why! And how? And for how long?"

"Until further notice, I suppose."

"Okay, so I'm supposed to pretend that everything's just all fine and dandy until you tell me otherwise?"

"Exactly."

Hermione groaned and said, "Harry, I'm getting sick of this."

"Sick of what? Us?" He gave her a worried look.

"No, not sick of us as a couple. I'm sick of you trying to run my life for me."

"What in Merlin's name are you talking about?"

"You keep telling me what to do." She mimicked Harry, "You can't go anywhere alone…we can't make a big scene until I say otherwise! You're like, running my life for me lately!"

Harry looked down at his feet and said, "I'm sorry, Hermione. I'm just worried about you."

"I know, and I love that you care so much about me…but I'm a big girl, and I can definitely take care of myself."

Harry nodded and she gave him a hug, feeling better now that she had gotten that off her chest. Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and they kept on towards the Great Hall.

Ron was sitting at the end of the Hufflepuff Table across from Hannah. People kept shooting him dirty looks, but he wasn't sure why. He took another glance down the table and then said to Hannah, "What is everyone's problem?" Hannah stared at him and said, "What do you mean?"

"They keep staring at us and shooting some nasty looks down this way."

Hannah smiled and said, "Maybe they're jealous!"

Ron shook his head and said, "I'm highly doubting that."

"Well what other explanation is there?"

"They don't like us. I mean, you and me…together. They don't much care for it."

"So?"

"So…?"

"So what if they don't approve. I don't need the permission of my House to date someone. Besides, who cares what they think? I've got you, and that's really all that matters to me."

Ron smiled and reached for her hand. Weaving his fingers around hers, he stared into her eyes. He'd never felt freer, more alive when he was with her. He knew that, despite his young age and lack of knowledge, he loved her. He smiled wider and said, "Hannah…?" She didn't take her eyes away from his and replied, "Hm?"

"I love you."

She smiled and, grabbing his other hand in her own, replied, "I love you, too, Ron."

Ron just couldn't stop smiling, not that he wanted to in the slightest. He was happier than he'd ever been in his whole life. The only step left for them was bringing her home to meet his parents, and hope that they fell in love with her, just as he had. He had no doubts that they'd be happy for him.

A/N- Sorry it's so short, I'm rushing to meet deadlines. I promise to write more soon!

Love,

DC