Hello my lovelies!
Here is chapter 9. A little later than promised. First of all, I hope you all don't feel that there is too much going on in this story with other characters (particularly in this chapter). Although Greg and Hermione are the main characters, (And I feel like the story is centered around their relationship), I really wanted this to be an ensemble piece. That's why I add the side stories with other couples.
Secondly, for those of you that like Ron, I don't mean to be Ron bashing. He's a great character. We all make mistakes sometimes.
Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing….J.K Rowling owns everything…and I love her for it.
Chapter 9
Blaise felt a hand on his shoulder. The raven haired wizard opened his eyes to see his boyfriend standing over him. Blaise looked to the left and saw Hermione next to him. He knew it was Hermione, but her face was hidden beneath a mass of long, messy chestnut curls. Blaise rubbed his eyes as he sat up.
"Should I be worried?" Draco teased, nodding his head towards a sleeping Hermione with a smile. Draco had fallen asleep waiting for Blaise to come to bed. When Draco woke up and Blaise's side of the bed empty, the blonde figured Blaise had passed out in Hermione's room.
"Sorry, love," Blaise said, stretching. "I didn't mean to spend the night here." Blaise looked at Hermione's muggle alarm clock with a groan. It was a little after 8am. Too early for a Saturday in Blaise's opinion, but Draco was an early riser.
"Is everything okay?" Draco whispered, leading Blaise out the door. The blonde pointed at Hermione, who stirred a bit in her sleep before turning on her side.
"Yes," Blaise smiled. Blaise had noticed Draco's changing attitude towards Hermione. It pleased him immensely. The Italian wizard always liked it when everyone was getting along. "She was just a bit shaken up after yesterday. You know, Slughorn." Blaise spun his index finger in a circular motion by his head. Slughorn had become a little soft in the brain this past year. Blaise's mind drifted to last night:
After Hermione had quickly said goodnight to Draco and Greg with an irritated sigh, Blaise went to find out what was bothering her. Blaise waited patiently as Hermione showered, waited until Hermione had changed and was ready to confide in him. It was nearly midnight when they finally talked. Hermione confessed how she had never really experienced desire before:
"I'd see Lavender and Parvarti giggling about boys, but when I looked at those boys, I felt nothing," Hermione said, shaking her head. "I've always put my studies first. I knew there'd be time for boys and romance later on, but it felt strange to not even like one boy. I mean I had a crush on Ron. I thought we'd wind up together, but I never felt like this about Ron," Hermione said, pausing a moment as Blaise wrapped his arm around her. "And I had a few other crushes on Remus and Professor Lockhart, but it was nothing compared to what I feel now. I didn't have fantasies of them….," She sighed into her hands not wanting to discuss how naughty her thoughts were with Blaise. "Now Greg comes along and it's like I can't turn any of this off." She added quickly.
"You must feel like you're losing control, right?" Blaise had said, soothingly as he rubbed her back. Hermione nodded in reply. "It's normal to feel this way when you have a crush on someone," Blaise reassured Hermione. Blaise smiled as he began reminiscing with Hermione about his first crush.
"It was actually Ron if you can believe it," Blaise confessed, laughing at how Hermione's jaw dropped. "I thought his freckles were cute and I felt a lot like you are feeling now. Oh Merlin, the things I wanted to do to that boy," Blaise giggled as Hermione scrunched her nose. "So, I take it you can't tell me whether Ron has freckles everywhere?" Blaise said, wiggling his eyebrows.
"No," Hermione said, eyes widening. "And I don't want to know if Ron has freckles on his...you should ask Lavender." Hermione said, giggling a little as Blaise smiled, contemplatively. Hermione lowered her eyes with a sigh. Blaise sensed their conversation might be coming to an end.
"Just so you know, you're worth a hundred Lavender and Parvarti's! Each!" Blaise said, making Hermione smile. Blaise hugged his friend, feeling honored that Hermione trusted him enough to share these revelations that she'd never told anyone. Blaise hadn't meant to fall asleep next to Hermione, but it was almost two am when they'd finished talking. Sleep had overcome both of them. Blaise was pulled back to the present as he shut Hermione's door behind them.
"Fancy a trip to Hogsmeade?" Draco asked, as Blaise nodded with a yawn.
"I need a shower first," Blaise remarked as he walked into the Head Boy's bedroom.
"What a coincidence, so do I," Draco teased, smacking his boyfriend's arse as he closed the bedroom door behind them.
….
"So, what's going on with Hermione?" Harry asked, pouring Ginny another cup of coffee. It's too early in the morning for this, Ginny thought. She was sitting at the small kitchen table in Harry's flat. She was wearing one of Harry's sweatshirts, hair up in a messy bun, and looking delightfully satisfied. Last night was just what I needed, she thought with a smile before biting into a piece of sausage. Ginny had woken up about a half an hour ago to make pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon. Harry sat across from his fiancée in nothing but his boxers and an undershirt. He was very appreciative, but he also wanted to know how Hermione was. Harry was quite concerned about his friend after yesterday.
"Don't give me that look, love," Harry scolded playfully. "I know something is up. She hasn't been writing as much as she did at the start of term. Yesterday she ran into the Gryffindor common room faster than if she were on a nimbus 2001."
"Yeah, like Hermione would ever ride a broom," Ginny giggled at her fiancé, before thinking about the Hermione's steamy flying lesson with Greg.
"It's Malfoy. Isn't it?" Harry said, dropping his fork. Harry slammed his forkless hand on the table. "I knew it. That son of a bitch."
"Harry!" Ginny said, jumping up a bit surprised at Harry's temper. Harry was only this frantic when someone he loved was in danger. It came as a surprise to many people that Ginny never felt any jealousy over Harry and Hermione's closeness. Anyone could see that Harry and Hermione had bonded like siblings.
"He's probably bullying her. After all she shares a dorm with him," Harry thought, walking to the fridge to get some orange juice. "Him and Zabini. They're probably ganging up on her!"
"Harry, stop it!" Ginny said, grabbing the carton from his hands. "Malfoy is not bullying Hermione! They're friends now…kind of," the redhead shrugged. "And Blaise has been completely lovely. He really cares about Hermione as well. Hermione and I have become close friends with Blaise." Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's neck, giving him a peck on the cheek.
"Then what's wrong with her?" Harry asked, placing his arms around Ginny's waist. "Is someone else being mean to her?"
"No," Ginny said, shaking her head. She was unsure if she should tell her fiancé about Greg and Hermione's budding romance. Ginny let go of Harry and walked towards the sink wrestling with herself before deciding: "Alright, but if I tell you, you can't tell Ron."
"Don't worry," Harry said, crossing his arms with a huff. "Ron's got enough to deal with right now."
"I know," Ginny said lowering her eyes. "Mum is going to send him a howler for sure…but, still, you can't say anything to him. Promise me."
"I promise," Harry said, crossing his heart in the old muggle tradition. A tradition that she was familiar with once Harry taught it to her father.
"Hermione's falling in love. She's been tutoring this student," Ginny said, biting her lip. Not wanting to reveal exactly who Hermione was tutoring just yet. "And they've gotten closer since the beginning of term. I think he's falling in love with her as well."
"Really? That's all?" Harry asked, placing a hand on his heart with a sigh of relief. "This is great! Who's the lucky bloke?" Harry watched as his fiancée fidget for a moment, wiping up crumbs from the table. "Gin, who is it?" Harry asked again.
"Greg Goyle," Ginny said, watching as Harry's jaw dropped.
"Goyle?" Harry scoffed. "You're kidding me, right? Goyle?" Harry said, running to his bedroom with Ginny following close behind. "Where are my pants? I've got to talk some sense into Hermione." Harry said, looking through his drawers. "He's not good enough for her!"
"He is, though," Ginny said, placing the clothes Harry placed on the bed back in his drawers only for Harry to rip them out again. "He's so sweet and protective. He looks at Hermione like she's the only girl in the world."
"Yes, darling," Harry said slowly in a didactic tone. Harry quickly grabbed a plain t-shirt from his closet. "That's because he has one working brain cell."
"Harry, that's not nice. You're not giving Greg a chance," Ginny said, angrily. "You should have seen him that day when Nott tried to kiss Hermione. She hit Theo with a nasty hex, but merlin, Greg was ready to kick Theo's arse!" Ginny said, punching her hand.
"I'm sorry," Harry said, raising his eyebrows and crossing his arms. "Nott did what?"
"Oh," Ginny said, placing her hand over her mouth. "You didn't know." Her face continued to dip until her eyes were covered by his hands. Harry sat down on the bed. "Harry, please don't go all big brother on Hermione," Ginny pleaded, gently.
"I'm sorry," Harry said. "I didn't mean to ruin breakfast. I just worry about her is all." Harry paused for a moment. "It feels weird that you and Hermione have returned to Hogwarts and Ron and I are out here being adults." Harry sighed. He loved auror training, but he was still recovering from the war. Somedays it was too much. Being without Ginny and his friends was hard as well.
"I know," Ginny said, sitting down beside Harry. She placed her hand in his, intertwining their fingers. Harry lay his head on Ginny's shoulder. Ginny knew it was tough for Harry and Ron that they were all separated.
"Alright," Harry said. "I promise I won't tell Ron and I promise not to interrogate Hermione or Goyle, but..." Harry paused for a moment and Ginny bit her lip expecting the worst. "In exchange, Hermione has to write me more."
"Well, what about me?" Ginny teased, moving to straddle Harry. The feisty redhead wanted to get in one more shag before having to return to Hogwarts.
"I was just getting to that, love," Harry said, kissing Ginny. "McGonagall has agreed that date night can become a regular occurrence. Twice a month until you graduate," Harry said, attempting to cover his ears as Ginny placed kisses all over his face squealing with delight.
"How did you manage that?" Ginny asked, finally as Harry picked Ginny up to carry her into the shower.
"You get a lot of favors when you save the world," Harry shrugged, closing the door behind them.
….
Hermione awoke a little after 9:30am. After using the loo and brushing her teeth, she went outside her door to realize that she was alone in the Head's Dorm. The door to Draco and Blaise's room was open and the room was empty. Hermione smiled to herself. It felt good to have a little alone time. Not that she minded Draco or Blaise, but they could be a bit loud and chatty at times. These rare moments of alone time were cherished. She walked down to the bookshelf and pulled the book that read, "Kitchen." The kitchenette appeared and Hermione moved to put the kettle. Then retrieved the ingredients out to make oatmeal. Normally Hermione didn't like such a sparse breakfast, but it was welcome this morning.
Hermione was feeling better after her talk with Blaise. Somehow having Blaise tell her that the feelings she was experiencing were normal made her feel better than when Ginny had said it. Perhaps because Ginny's sexual awakening had come at such an early time for the redhead. Plus, Ginny wasn't as much of a control-freak as Hermione. The truth was Hermione loved to be in control at all times, especially of herself, and the feeling of losing control terrified her. She wondered if Greg felt the same way she did, if this chemistry between them was driving him just as crazy as it drove her.
Hermione's mind drifted to last night as she stirred the oatmeal. Hermione wondered if Greg could sense how nervous she was being alone with him. It wasn't that she was frightened of Greg. She somehow knew he wouldn't force her to do anything she didn't want to. She was more frightened of her own thoughts and their effect on her. It was like an experiment. Every time she saw Greg, new tingly feelings of lust and euphoria rushed through her body which made her stomach flip-flop and her brain foggy. The kettle began to whistle, and Hermione grabbed her teacup, placing the spell Molly had taught her to make the wooden spoon stir the oatmeal by itself.
This past week the evenings had been lonely without Greg. Last night Hermione tried to establish their tutoring sessions for next week, but Greg hadn't wanted to discuss studying on the weekends. Just like every other student, Hermione thought with a roll of her eyes. Hermione wanted to solidify their schedule because she looked forward to their tutoring sessions together and it wasn't just because Greg was eye candy. It was because she truly enjoyed being his company. She realized that this past week when she noticed how empty the evenings had become without him and how she treasured all of the classes in which they were partnered. Yes, Greg is handsome and sexy, Hermione thought. But he possesses so many admirable qualities too. Smart, kind, trustworthy, a good friend. Hermione pulled herself from her list-making when she noticed how thick the oatmeal had become. She focused her attention on tonight as she grabbed a bowl and spoon.
Although Hermione was still a bit nervous about going to the party tonight, she felt more secure. Hermione scooped the oatmeal into a bowl and turned off the stove. How many people were going to the party tonight? She wondered. She pulled down one of her mugs and poured the water in there. What am I going to wear? Hermione thought. I suppose I'll have to transfigure something. Hermione set these worries aside for now with a shrug, quickly running upstairs to grab her Ancient Runes textbook. She decided to read while she ate breakfast. It never hurt to prepare for the upcoming week!
…
The Great Hall was a bit sparse come lunch time. Many students, like Draco and Blaise, had opted to eat lunch at the Three Broomsticks or one of the new restaurants in Hogsmeade. They had done a terrific job remodeling Hogsmeade. It was alive and vibrant with more options for students every weekend. Theo was trying to talk Pansy into going to the Pool Party tonight. Greg was only giving the conversation half his attention. He kept looking over at the Gryffindor table to glance at Hermione. Merlin, she's looks so pretty today, Greg thought. Hermione was wearing a purple v-neck sweater which clung to her curves quite nicely while complimenting her hair and skin tone. Their eyes had met a few times and they would exchange a smile. A light blush would stain her cheeks as she looked away. When Greg wasn't smiling at the Head Girl, he kept noticing Neville Longbottom looking at Pansy beside him. The "war hero" as the papers called him was looking at Pansy with longing in his eyes. Greg heard Theo give another plea:
"Pans, you have to go," declared Theo. "If you're not there, who am I going to talk to?"
"You can talk to Greg," Pansy reasoned. The dark haired girl gestured to Greg before cutting up her roast chicken. Pansy couldn't help, but sigh at the way Greg looked at Hermione. Granger's a lucky girl, Pansy thought. The dark haired girl wasn't jealous, but every girl wants to be looked at the way Greg looks at Hermione.
"I can't even talk to him now," Theo said with a roll of his eyes. "Besides he'll ditch me for Granger." Theo began snapping his fingers in front of Greg's face to bring him back to earth.
"Knock it off," Greg said, shoving Theo's hand away from his face. Have I been staring too much? Greg worried. Greg decided maybe it was better to focus on his lunch and his friends for a few moments.
"Like you wouldn't do the same," Pansy teased. "Anyways, Theo you'll see some little swot that you haven't slept with and ditch me. Greg will be off with Granger and then I'll have no one to talk to."
"I think you'll have someone to talk to," Greg said to Pansy, nodding towards the Gryffindor table. Pansy looked confused until Theo mouthed "Longbottom." Theo had also noticed the way Neville had been watching Pansy these past few weeks. Of course, Pansy had been too caught up in her grief over Draco to notice anyone else.
"Really?" Pansy said, eyebrows raised. She looked over to the Gryffindor table. Neville was talking to Hermione. He has become quite handsome, Pansy thought. He's not chubby like he used to be. "Maybe I'll go," she said with a smile. That was good enough for Theo.
"That's the spirit," Theo grinned. The three silently returned to their lunch. There was only the clinking of silverware around them until Theo asked: "Should I wear my speedo tonight?" Greg choked on his pumpkin juice while Pansy dropped her fork.
"No," Pansy said with a huff of annoyance. "For so many reasons." Theo really does think he possesses a magical penis, Pansy thought while shaking her head.
"You know, Greg," Theo said with a smirk. "I have an extra speedo. You can show off your asset to a certain Gryffindor." Theo winked at his friend. Pansy giggled as Greg snorted.
"No. Thanks," Greg said, thankful when the owls flew into the Great Hall to deliver mail.
Everyone was pulled from their lunch as newspapers, packages, and letters fell into their hands. Greg was happy when Scuttle dropped a letter and the Daily Prophet beside him. It was from his mother. She hadn't written in a few weeks and he was worried. Opening it, Greg read:
Hello Darling,
I received your past few letters. You're such a good son to worry, but I am fine. You'll be happy to know that I haven't been shopping! Instead I've been spending more and more time with Vincent. It's been very lonely here and he's been a good friend. He's still heartbroken over Young Vincent's death and asks about you often.
I was thinking perhaps it's time to sell the manor. I think we need a fresh start. It's hard being surrounded by all the many bad memories in this manor. Renata Zabini offered to give us one of her manors in the English Countryside. I went to meet with our financial advisor at Gringotts. He says we can afford the property in full, but Renata refuses to take any galleons. She is such a dear friend to us.
But more importantly, a little birdy informed me that you have a lady friend. I wish I would have heard it from you in your letters. Please write me, darling. Tell me everything about her. Invite her for the Christmas Holidays, if you'd like. I just want you to be happy, honey.
Love,
Mum.
Little Birdy, my arse Greg thought. I'm going to kill Blaise. Greg found it interesting that Blaise didn't mention that his "lady friend" was the famous muggleborn, Hermione Granger, not that it would have mattered to his mother. Greg was beginning to feel proud that his mother had never been concerned with blood status. His father had always thought this a disappointing and shameful trait in her. As far as the manor was concerned, Greg wouldn't mind selling it. It was time to live in a place that wasn't riddled with terrible memories.
Greg was incredibly happy to hear that his mother was not shopping. When Greg's father was alive his mother used to buy clothes, shoes, jewelry, furniture, and accessories as a way to cope with an abusive husband. Of course, back then they had as many galleons as the Malfoys. Now they had about half that, not destitute, but not enough to sustain Mrs. Goyle's shopaholic tendencies.
However, Greg was a bit anxious to learn that his mother was getting closer to Crabbe Senior. He was a good man, better than Greg's own father, for sure, but Greg thought it too soon for his mother to become involved with someone. As far as Greg knew Crabbe Senior had never raised a hand to his son. Greg never saw any reason to believe the older man to be abusive toward anyone. Like Goyle Senior, Crabbe Senior was a deatheater but had gone into hiding after his son's death. Still none of this would stop Greg from worrying about his mother.
Greg was pulled from his thoughts when he heard a shrill scream across the room. It was Lavender, holding her copy of The Daily Prophet, staring at it with shock. The blonde girl ran out of the Great Hall, the Patil twins, Hermione, and a few other girls following her. Greg quickly grabbed his copy of the newspaper. The headline read:
Golden Boy Caught in the Act!
Article written by Rita Skeeter.
Underneath there were several photos of Ron looking angry at the camera and holding his hand up to the camera to cover his face before the article began:
Ronald Weasley, friend of the famous Harry Potter and member of the Golden Trio, was caught in a compromising position with Miss Susan Bones in an abandoned lift this past week. Mr. Weasley, son of respected Ministry worker, Arthur Weasley, is in the Auror Training Program. Mr. Weasley and fellow trainee Miss Bones were caught "getting busy" in the broken lift when Ministry Repair Man and Janitor, Reg Cattermole caught the pair. Many may remember that Mr. Weasley and fellow Golden Trio member, Hermione Granger were linked romantically. Sources say that this was the reason the Golden Girl terminated their romantic relationship. "The youngest Weasley boy is a sex addict. He always has been," a reliable, unnamed source says. "He sticks his [redacted] in any witch that looks his way." Neither Mr. Weasley nor Miss Bones have released a statement to the press and there is much speculation as to whether he and Miss Bones will be expelled from the Auror Training Program. "Over the years, we've seen a lot of misbehavior from our trainees at different times," an unnamed Auror Trainer says. "But this takes the cake so to speak. Mr. Weasley and Miss Bones have acted carelessly. It is obvious they don't value their training." As always, The Daily Prophet will continue to update on our readers on this matter. We pride ourselves on our honest, truthful reporting.
Greg couldn't help but wonder if the Weasel's so called "sex addiction" was the actual reason he and Hermione didn't work as a couple. Blaise had said that Hermione felt that dating the Weasel was like dating a cousin, Greg thought. Or something like that. Greg shook his head dropping the newspaper. The Daily Prophet has never been "honest" or "truthful."
"I'm going to write my mother back," Greg said, standing. "I'll see you two later."
"Bye," Pansy said softly. She was about to return to her lunch until she noticed Theo staring blankly with his mouth slightly open at the Prophet.
Theo was holding his copy of the Daily Prophet, staring at it with disbelief. The Weasel really fucked up, Theo thought with a snort. Could this be my chance? Theo was being incredibly honest with his friends that day after the scrimmage. Theo really did have feelings for Lavender, but he had a complicated relationship with the blonde girl. Theo had slept with most of the girls at Hogwarts, but he had always come back to Lavender. It was nearly two years ago when Lavender suggested becoming a couple, demanding commitment from her friend with benefits. Theo had declined, saying some terribly cruel things to Lavender. Lavender moved on to a few other guys before settling on Ron. She completely ignored Theo now. The blonde girl never even looked his way anymore. Theo began wrestling with himself now. He had never been completely comfortable with monogamy or commitment. Pansy recognized Theo's inner battle for it was written plainly across his face.
"You know," Pansy began with a sad smile. "The last time we had sex you called me Lavender during it." Theo was about to apologize when Pansy held up a hand to stop him.
"I think you've got to stop lying to yourself," Pansy said. "You love her. I think you always have. Hell, she's the only one with a reputation as bad as yours. Are you really happy without her? Are you really happy sleeping with a bunch of different girls rather than sleeping with the one girl that actually matters to you? Just think about." Pansy returned to her lunch, happy that she had tried to talk some sense into Theo. Perhaps I will go to the Pool Party tonight, she thought with a smile.
Theo didn't remember calling Pansy by Lavender's name, but he didn't doubt that he did it. Theo's stomach turned with guilt. For the first time, he was disgusted with himself. How could he be such a dog to call Pansy Lavender? Theo rose thanking Pansy for the advice and walked slowly towards the Dungeons turning her questions over in his mind.
….
Ginny strolled into the Gryffindor Common Room in a blue track suit, carrying a little bag. Thankful she had brought a change of clothes last night. It would be embarrassing walking past everyone in the dress they saw last night. The red head wasn't completely shocked when she saw Ron sitting on the couch being comforted by Dean, Seamus, and few other boys. Obviously, her brother wanted to repair the damage done to Lavender. At least the Prophet didn't mention Lavender's name, Ginny thought.
"I didn't mean to," Ron said, face in his hands. "I just…It's tough with Lavender being here and I'm there and Susan. Merlin, you've seen how she's gotten so fit." A few boys nodded in agreement.
"I can't believe you are my brother," Ginny said, face contorting in disgust. Ginny crossed her arms under her breasts. "You've got some nerve. Don't claim to be the victim here."
"Lay off, Ginny," Ron said, brow furrowing. "You've no idea what it's like…"
"Cheating is a choice," Ginny argued. "You chose to stick your prick in someone other than your girlfriend." A few students gathered around to watch the action between the siblings.
"And Lavender hasn't been fooling around?" Ron snapped, embarrassed and angry. Who does Ginny think she is? Ron thought. He knew that Lavender had been faithful, but it was difficult making their relationship work. The pair being separated by Ron's Auror Training and Lavender in Hogwarts.
"You're an idiot," Ginny snapped. "She's been completely faithful to you. Good luck finding another girl like her, especially now." Ginny had heard from Harry what had happened before getting an owl from her father. The Weasley family patriarch disappointed in his youngest son, but asked Ginny to try and be supportive. Ron stepped closer to Ginny to argue further and to blame Rita Skeeter for his rotten luck.
Meanwhile up in the girl's dormitories, Lavender sat on her bed surrounded by Hermione, Padma, and Parvarti. All the girls trying to comfort her.
"I just can't believe it," Lavender said sniffling. The blonde was on her third box of tissues. A few strewn about the floor. She was crying on Parvarti's shoulder. "How am I supposed to face everyone? I feel so embarrassed, so betrayed. How could Ron do this to me?" Lavender blew her nose loudly into the last tissue in the third box. Parvarti quickly grabbed another box, opening it for Lavender.
"It's going to be okay, Lav," Parvarti said, placing the box of tissues in front of Lavender. "This will all blow over soon." Parvarti grabbed a few tissues and wiped Lavender's eyes, trying to comfort her friend.
"Absolutely," Padma agreed with a nod. "And your name wasn't in the Prophet or anything."
"Students will forget soon enough. Before you know it, there will be another scandal to shock the school," Hermione said, brushing Lavender's hair away from her face. Hermione and Lavender had never been very close. Most of the time they are polar opposites, but they had become friends when Ron began dating Lavender again. "Besides that, Ron doesn't deserve you and you know you can do way better than Ron." Lavender smiled at the brunette before crying into another tissue.
"Yes, definitely," Parvarti said. "You've always been out of his league. There are plenty of other fish in the sea." Lavender groaned into her hands.
"You know the old saying," Padma began with a giggle. "The best way to get over a man is to get under another one!"
"Not helpful right now, sis," Parvarti said, shaking her head. Padma was apologizing when they heard shouting from the common room. Hearing Ron's distinct voice, Lavender stood up, wiping her puffy eyes, quickly. The blonde marched out the door before anyone could stop her. Hermione and the others ran after her.
"What are you doing here?" Lavender shouted from the top of the stairs at Ron. Before anyone could stop her, she marched towards him and before Ron had time to apologize or try to explain Lavender had slapped him. She began hitting him over and over again. Students began gathering around to watch the pair. Some began clapping a few chanting "Fight! Fight! Fight!" Romilda Vane shouted: "Kick him in the balls, Lav!" Seamus and Dean tried to pull the pair apart.
"Alright. That's enough!" Hermione shouted and a hush fell across the common room. All Gryffindor students knew Hermione was dangerous when she used that tone of voice. The Head Girl raised her wand, placing an invisible barrier between Ron and Lavender. "Ron, I think you should go." Hermione said.
"But Hermione…" Ron said, trying to reason. "I'm just trying to apologize." Lavender tried to attack Ron once more but was bounced back by the barrier. Hermione almost petrified Lavender but thought against it. There was no way Lavender could break through the barrier.
"Now," Hermione yelled, authoritatively pointing at the door before placing her hands on her hips. Ron knew exactly when Hermione was not to be messed with, so he lowered his head walking out. Lavender gave a cruel stare to the back of Ron's head before running back up the stairs to the girl's dormitories.
Ginny ran after Lavender. The redhead placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder as she passed her. Hermione followed Ginny up the stairs to help console Lavender once more.
….
About an hour later, Hermione was walking back to the Head Dorms, trying to decide if she should give Lavender detention for hitting Ron so many times. Of course, Ron isn't a student anymore, she reasoned. But still Lavender's behavior should not be tolerated. By the time she had reached the portrait, Hermione had decided that Lavender's heart was broken and there was no reason to cause more misery with detention.
Draco and Blaise were cuddling on the couch when Hermione wandered into the Common Room. The couple had had a terrific morning in Hogsmeade. They had eaten breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, before heading into a few shops. There was a bag from the new shop in Hogsmeade called Wicked Scents, where Hermione had begun buying her shampoo, conditioner, perfume, and lotions. When the blonde saw Hermione, he stood, grabbing the purple bag.
"Here," Draco said, thrusting the bag into Hermione's hand before sitting back down on the couch.
"What's this?" Hermione asked, opening the bag to reveal, coconut shampoo and conditioner. "Oh, thanks, Draco." Saves me a trip, Hermione thought as she sat in the armchair.
"Don't mention it," Draco said, dropping down next to his boyfriend. "The lavender scent has been driving me crazy. I can't stand flowery fragrances. Never use them again." Draco's nose had noticed the second Hermione changed her shampoo. He had been taking a couple of different allergy potions.
"Well, pardon me," Hermione scoffed, about to argue with the Head Boy that he had no right to order her to change her shampoo. "How dare you…"
"He means that in a nice way," Blaise interrupted, translating for his boyfriend. The raven haired wizard was attempting to stop the fight before it began.
"Yes, I'm being completely nice. Now go wash your hair," Draco said, as he pointed to Hermione's room. "I'm sick of glugging a vial of Aller-potion every morning."
"Did you know about Ron?" Blaise interjected quickly. Blaise could see Hermione's eyes narrowing and he wanted to stop the potential duel before it began.
"No," Hermione said, shaking her head. "I haven't been writing to them very much. I'm so upset with the Prophet. Ron is not a sex addict! He just thinks with his…you know."
"No," Draco teased. "I don't know, Granger. Care to clarify?" The blonde winked at Blaise, who shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"Ignore him, sweetheart," Blaise said, trying not to giggle. "How is Lavender handling everything?"
"She's held up in the girl's dormitories," Hermione said. "Crying her eyes out. I feel so terrible for her. She doesn't deserve this. Ron showed up, but he left once she started hitting him."
"I would have paid to see that," Draco said, biting his lip. The blonde wanted to laugh. The Weasel really screwed up, the blonde thought with a laugh.
"Stop laughing, love. That's not nice," Blaise remarked, smacking his lover on the shoulder. "She probably won't be coming to the party tonight."
"Ginny just got back," Hermione reasoned with a shrug. "She can talk to her. It might be good for Lavender to get out, but she might also need a night in."
"I know someone who's happy about this," Draco said, giving a Blaise a knowing look before adding: "Besides me. Well, I just find it funny really."
"Who?" Hermione questioned.
"Theo," Draco and Blaise said together.
"Why would Theo care?" She asked, a bit baffled.
"It's complicated," Blaise said, running a hand through his dark hair.
"Theo has always been fond of Lavender," Draco began explaining. "He's slept with a lot of girls. But he usually only sleeps with a girl once, then he loses interest."
"Plus, he doesn't like attachments," Blaise added.
"Do you want to tell the story?" Draco asked, eyebrow arched. The blonde crossing his arms and pursing his lips.
"No," Blaise said, wrapping his arm around his boyfriend. "You're telling it beautifully." Hermione could help smiling at their playful banter.
"As I was saying," Draco began once more. "Lavender was different. Theo kept her around. I thought it was because she's very talented." Draco wriggled his eyebrows at Hermione. Hermione wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"Now that's just mean," Blaise said, pouting. He tried to look playful about it.
"She never meant anything to me," Draco said, giving him a quick kiss to apologize. Blaise smiled, but in all honesty, it hurt his feelings. It was hard when they first started dating secretly. Blaise was completely out and proud while Draco was closeted. It was hard to make it work, to walk by Draco as if he meant nothing. The pair running around in secret like criminals. It was tough when Draco was constantly running off to sleep with some girl to keep up appearances. The fear of being found out completely controlled Draco's life and his relationships. Blaise was pulled from his thoughts when he heard Hermione gasp.
"Theo must have been the infamous Mystery Man," Hermione said, with eyes wide with an a-ha moment. Draco and Blaise looked intriguingly at Hermione, so she explained: "Well, Lavender used to sneak off to meet with someone. Sometimes she'd spend the night out of the dorms. When we inquired about who she was meeting, Lavender would never say anything, not even to Parvarti. We all just started calling him Mystery Man."
"I think they'd be good together," Draco said. Blaise and Hermione nodded their agreement. Blaise looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost two in the afternoon.
"Alright. Come on Hermione," Blaise said with a sigh. He stood, giving Draco a goodbye kiss. "We'll see you later, hun."
"What?" Hermione said, with a surprise.
"We've got to go meet Ginny," Blaise said, grabbing Hermione's hand to pull her off the armchair.
"Where are we meeting her?" Hermione asked. Hermione quickly grabbed her coat, hat, and beaded purse as Blaise reached for his jacket and scarf.
"You'll see," Blaise smiled, linking his arms in Hermione's as they walked out of the portrait.
"I'm still worried," Draco said to himself. He felt as anxious as he did earlier in the week. With Blaise and Ginny working together, this party was going to be crazy.
…..