Just the Beginning

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters.

The next day, almost every girl in Gryfindor was talking about Hermione's new diamond ring and her secret admirer.

"Has she told everyone?" asked Neville sounding extremely annoyed, "I mean, it's just a stupid ring."

Ron looked enraged and then remembering that no one was supposed to know quietly said," Yeah, I mean what's the big deal?"

Harry looked at Ron angrily. Harry had known the whole time that Ron had given the ring to Hermione Christmas morning.

"Who do you suppose gave it to her?" he asked staring at Ron.

"I'll bet you that guy from Huffelpuff sent I to her. I caught him staring at her a few times." Neville sounded so sure of himself.

"Ron, do you know? I mean, it couldn't have been him. He wouldn't do that. Any idea, Ron?" Harry looked at Ron with a look of terror.

"Well, I'll talk to you guys later. I have to study. See ya!" Neville ran out of the common room.

As soon as he looked around, Harry grabbed Ron by the shoulders, shook him and said, "You love Hermione. I saw the gift on your dresser and I saw you write a little note Christmas Eve. Why didn't you tell me?"

Ron pushed Harry away and looked angrily into his eyes. "You've been spying on me, have you? Been going through my belongings? And how do you know that's what I was writing? Did you open the box? Do you know for sure that it was a diamond ring in the box? I don't think so."

"Ron, I'm your best friend. Why didn't you tell me? Did you think I would tell? I mean honestly…this is me you're talking to!" Harry looked pleadingly into his eyes.

"It's not from me! Okay…let it go man!" Ron shoved Harry away from him and walked up to the dorm.

"Ron! Wait…come back!" But there was no answer.

Harry went and sat down near the fireplace. He placed his head in his hands and gripped his hair. What had he done? He accused Ron of being in love with Hermione and made Ron furious with him.

Later on after supper, Harry went up to the dorm to catch up on some reading he had to do for Snape's class. He couldn't concentrate. It seemed he could never concentrate with Ron upset at him. Sometimes, he gazed across the room at Ron, who was also reading for Snape's class. Harry slowly walked over to Ron's bed.

"Hey, sorry to bother you, but I am having some trouble understanding this reading. Think you can help me out a bit?" He crossed his fingers as he waited for Ron's response.

"Don't understand it either." Ron didn't even look up.

"Oh, well maybe we could do it together. That might help. You know, two heads are better than one." Harry looked down at Ron's bed. Why wouldn't Ron talk to him? "Ron…answer me."

"No, we can do it on our own. That's a better idea I think. Don't you?" Ron lifted his head and stared at Harry.

Harry lowered his head and walked back across the room to his own bed. He had ruined everything. The only thing to do, was to talk to Hermione. He got out of bed and strode silently down the stairs. Hermione always read in the common room. She liked the light of the fire to guide her reading. Harry immediately saw her sitting in the giant maroon chair. He went over and sat down near her on the couch.

"What happened this time?" She looked up from her book and looked at Harry thoughtfully.

Harry knew Hermione was the smartest witch of her age, but had no clue she knew when something bad happened socially.

"How did you know? Ugh, never mind. Listen, I sort of accused Ron of being your secret admirer because I saw him with a small velvet box and I saw him writing a note and placing it next to the box. He said it wasn't him and then got really really mad at me". He looked at Hermione who looked at him and then a huge smile grew on her face.

"Why am I not surprised? I mean, who wouldn't get upset if someone accused them of something?" She placed a hand on Harry's knee. "He'll get over it. Don't worry Harry." She then went back to reading and shooed Harry away.

When he was on the second step, he swirled around and faced her, "What should I do?"

She looked up and smiled, "What do you think you should do, Harry?"

Harry turned around and glided up the stairs. He knew what he should do and that was to apoligize to Ron.