Ok, hey, I'm really really sorry sdo please don't kill me. I know this is a bit delayed so here's the next two chapters. Hopefully, this'll make it up to you... Jen : )

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, not mine...

Chapter 4

Harry was sitting at a desk in the library, thinking about Hermione. Due to the huge amount of work they'd received from the teachers, they hid behind huge piles of books and bent double over sheets of parchment scribbling furiously - they rarely spoke or even saw each other, for that matter. That evening, Harry had finished his very last essay. He took hold of his necklace and began to reach for Hermione.

'Mione, you there?

Hmm, yes I'm here, can you wait for a second? I need to finish the last sentence...

Ok.

'Therefore one can draw the conclusion that Muggles were once also wizards and witches but out of lack of practice, they lost their skills.' There, all done.

Muggle Studies?

Yes, so how are you?

I'm alright, just a bit exhausted by all this work...

Nonsense, it's all going to come to something one day, you know.

I know, I know but it's just that I don't get to see you much nowadays...

Hmm, I suppose there is that...

I'm guessing that you're alright then?

Yes, I'm ok but I could do with a few hugs and kisses right now.

Tell me about it.

How's Ron? Do you know?

We haven't spoken much, apart from at Quidditch practice but I think he's ok. He's trying to sell some inventions of Fred's and George's to Dean.

Uh, can't you do something about that? Harry laughed out loud.

No, not really. He's not scared of me like he is of some people...

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing, it's just that you have more of an influence of him. Besides the point, I haven't the heart to push him...

Humph.

'Mione, do you have anything to do now?

Not that I can think of. Why?

Will you meet me outside the Great Hall in 10 minutes?

Yes, why?

Oh, just to go for a walk around the Quidditch pitch. It's only 6 o'clock and dinner's not until half past 7...

Ok, I'll be there.

True to her word, Hermione met Harry outside the Great Hall. They smiled awkwardly at each other and walked together holding hands. They walked around the pitch and discussed their plans for the Christmas holidays. Trivial matters. To buy time. They were shy of each other after spending weeks apart. Harry took his wand out of his robes, this alarmed Hermione slightly but she was relieved when Harry muttered,

"Accio Firebolt."

Harry's Firebolt appeared in front of him and he got on.

"Coming, 'Mione?"

Hermione was shocked.

"Harry, I haven't ridden a broom since our first year."

"Don't worry, do you trust me?"

"Yes, but..." Hermione looked dubious.

"I won't let you fall, I promise."

At that, Hermione reluctantly got on the broom and Harry flew low and slowly at first to gain her trust. He gradually made his way up higher into the sky and circled around the school. Hermione's eyes were shut tightly.

"Hermione, open your eyes..."

Hermione did so and gasped. The sight was like nothing she had ever seen. Harry smiled.

"See, it's not as bad as you think. Feel better?"

"Flying still isn't one of my favourite things but right now, I think I'd be happy to stay up here with you..."

Harry soared down like an eagle and landed lightly. Hermione held on and her hair caught in his face. He sniffed at the familiar lavender scent on Hermione. He got off the broom and offered his hand to Hermione. She took it and gingerly slid of the broom.

They walked back and they were at the entrance of Hogwarts when Harry stopped her. His eyes were sparkling when he spoke.

"'Mione, I still love you, yeah?"

"I know, Harry, I love you too."

"Do you still wear it?"

"Of course." Hermione pulled out her necklace that indicated that she belonged to Harry, for proof. Harry smiled and kissed her quickly.

"Well, let's go in, 'Mione. I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry!" retorted Hermione.

Soon enough, it was only a few days before they broke up for the Christmas holidays. Harry, Ron and Hermione had all decided to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas. The trio sat and talked like the best of friends had always done. Only they spoke more of the hopes and fears in their lives. Knowing that happiness was rare and pain came quickly and suddenly...

That day after they broke up, they visited Hagrid in his hut and gave him an early Christmas present: a large new coat with more pockets than the last one. They sat by the warm fire with Hagrid for a long time and then bid him goodbye. Ron retired to his room early that evening, in hope that the next morning would come more quickly. Harry and Hermione stood a few steps opposite each other and smiled - it was going to be one of those moments...

"Hermione Granger, I solemnly declare my undying love for you on this very night, like I have many other times..."

"Really?"

"Yes." Harry took a step closer.

"Would you do anything for me?"

"Anything, including kissing a donkey's backside." Harry took another step closer.

"Harry! That really wasn't necessary, you know!"

"Of course, it was, I needed to prove it, I would do anything in the world to keep you with me..." Harry's face was now inches away from hers.

Meanwhile, Ron was in the boys' dormitories just about to get into bed, when he suddenly remembered that he'd left his essay on werewolves in the common room. He sighed and put his slippers on and walked down the stairs...

Hermione looked up and noticed that they were standing directly under a mistletoe.

"Mistletoe." she whispered.

"Really, all the more reason, then." Harry's eyes never left her face. He tilted his head and moved in the direction of her lips.

Ron was walking down the spiral stairs, when he heard whispering... He glanced to have a look at who it was. He breathed in sharply, it was Harry and Hermione. From the stair case he could see them but they couldn't see him...

Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and he, his arms around her waist. The stood there for an age before they broke off. Ron was shocked, Harry ought to have known about his (Ron's) passion for her. He couldn't believe that his best friend, Harry had betrayed him. Ron was in despair. What should he do? Should he confront them? Or should he forget about it? Ron was angry. Why? Why did Harry have to do that to him? Ron climbed silently up the stairs and went to his bed. About 5 minutes later, Harry walked in silently and Ron pretended to sleep. Eventually Ron drifted into a troubled sleep.

For the next few days, Ron avoided the couple. At breakfast, lunch and dinner, Ron sat at the far end of where Harry and Hermione were. During the day, he disappeared and hid in the shadows of the library. One day, Hermione could take no more, she wanted a reason for him avoiding them. Ron had walked through the common room to go to his daily hiding place, when a voice stopped him.

"Ronald Weasley. Care to explain why on earth you are avoiding your so - called two best friends?" asked Hermione serenely as she stepped out of a shadow.

"Um, no reason, just... lots of homework to catch up on."

Hermione raised an eyebrow,

"Since when have you ever hidden in the library to do your homework?" she demanded.

"All right, I give up, Hermione, there's something you should know... I got a crush on you, ok? Since the day I met you in Diagon Alley I've always thought about you... But then, I saw you with Harry, under the mistletoe and I got jealous because Harry beat me to you."

Hermione's expression softened and she was about to say something, when the door burst open and Harry stormed in, in a fit of rage. They both turned to face Harry. His sparkling green eyes were intense and wild. He spoke coldly,

"Ron, you sly cheating moron, you backstabber, filthy lying scumbag, YOU FALUS! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME! YOU KNEW HOW I FELT! AND YOU HAD THE NERVE TO TELL HER YOU LOVED HER!"

He turned to Hermione, the wildness was gone from his eyes, it was replaced by sadness and frustration. He spoke as softly as he did the day he first declared his love for her.

"Why?"

Without waiting for an answer, he turned and left for the boys' dormitory. He kicked him trunk open violently and took off Yin and threw to the bottom of his trunk.

Hermione tried to reach Harry...

Harry. Harry, please, are you there?

There was no answer. Hermione, tried again.

Harry, please I need to talk to you.

Still no answer.

Damn you, Ron! Why? Why did you try and take my heart? Hermione felt her heart being torn apart. She ran into the girls' dormitories and threw herself onto her bed, leaving Ron thinking, What have I done? Tears began to well up in her eyes and she began sobbing uncontrollably.

So what do you think?