Chapter 3: The Second Interview

"Alright, Mr. Weasley," Rita Seeker smiled when Ron finished answering her last question, "Thank you for your time, I will make sure this gets posted tomorrow."

"Just please make it a positive article about, Harry," Ron said, "The wizarding world deserves to know the truth."

"I can assure you, I will," Rita smiled and then looked at him, "I don't like that you threatened me but now that I think about it, I feel the wizarding will feel fascinated to see this side of Harry Potter."

Ron sighed in relief and went back to the common room, hoping this wouldn't backfire on him. He walked to the common room and saw Hermione sitting by the fire and wanting to tell her she was right, he pulled her aside to talk to privately, "I just got done talking to Rita Seeker!" He grinned and to his surprise, Hermione looked at him as if he were insane, "Did you do another interview about Harry lying?" she hissed, "I swear Ron – "

"No, no," Ron said hurriedly grabbing her shoulder as she attempted to walk away, "No, I did an interview with Seeker to take back what I said about Harry and say I believe him."

"What?" Hermione asked looking surprised but then she grinned, "Oh Ron, that is going to mean a lot to Harry! He's going to be so happy that you did that!"

"You were right 'Mione," Ron smiled feeling just as excited as she was, "I did miss him and last night he told me, he wanted me to prove that I meant I was sorry and I figured doing another interview would make up for it."

Hermione suddenly hugged Ron and whispered, "It will make up for it, oh Ron! I'm so glad you did this, I can't wait to see Harry's reaction."

At that moment, the common door opened and Lavender and Parvati walked in. When she saw Hermione and Ron hugging, Lavender frowned, "Why are you hugging Hermione?"

Ron scowled and said coldly, "She's my friend, don't you start."

"You know, Ron," Parvati said glaring at the two of them, "It's really pathetic that you won't stand up for your girlfriend."

"I'm not standing up for her because Pansy tried to use the torture curse on me!" Ron repeated, his good mood suddenly going away, people were starting to gather around them, "I keep telling you she tries to get under you skin because you let her!"

"Ron," Hermione said quietly, taking his hand and trying to pull him away, "Come on it's not worth it."

"Why are you holding my boyfriend's hand, I'm tired of you always hanging around him whenever we fight!" Lavender shrieked and Ron sighed, even though they were civil with one another, Lavender still got jealous over Ron and Hermione's friendship.

"Don't talk to her like that," he snarled, "I keep telling you she's my best friend." Hermione pulled Ron's hand again in an attempt to pull him away from the argument.

"Please," Lavender shrieked, with tears filling her eyes, "I see it all the time, you and her always sneaking off together or going to the boy's dormitory without me!"

"You also defend her too," Parvati brought up looking between the two of them in disgust, "How come you refuse to defend Lavender but whenever someone picks on poor Hermione –"

"Because she's my friend and she would never ask me to do something dumb or dangerous like Lavender does!"

"You know what," Hermione finally chimed and threw a dirty look at the two of them, "I don't think Lavender deserves you Ron, she's obviously jealous and if she can't understand that you don't feel comfortable talking to Pansy because she threatened you before then she's the one who isn't a good significant other. You deserve better."

"You little mudblood!" Lavender screamed in rage and started walking over towards her, having enough, Ron stepped in front of Hermione to protect her, "I'm tired of this Ronald Weasley! I'm tired of you not defending your own girlfriend but defending this bitch, it's either her or me –"

"Don't," He warned, his insides were bursting in pure anger and he was shaking violently, "Ever call her that." He ignored the last part of what Lavender trying to make him choose between her and Hermione. Seeing the way she has been crazily acting all day over the stupidest thing, he knew Hermione was right, he did deserve better. "You okay," he whispered to Hermione, who looked just as shaken up as he felt and she nodded weakly, "Come on let's get out of here."

"Fine," Lavender said, tears flowing in her eyes, "I see how it is, we're over, Ron. Have fun with Granger."

"Don't talk to me," Ron snapped glaring over at her, "Come on, Hermione." He pulled a shaken Hermione out of the common, even though he and his now ex girlfriend had just broken up, he felt fine even though he was still enraged by that encounter and he was more concerned for his friend, "Are you alright?" Hermione smiled through her tears and whispered, "I should be asking you that."

Ron chuckled and pulled her into a hug, "I'm fine 'Mione, you're right. I don't want to be in relationship with someone as mental as her. It's been a long time coming, honestly."

"I'm glad you did," Hermione whispered, "You deserve someone better than her."

"I know," Ron smiled, "It's over Hermione, no matter how many times she tries to apologize, I'm done with her."

"That's what you said last time," A voice teased and Ron turned to see Ginny walking over towards them, "I just wanted to see if you two were alright?"

"I'm fine but Hermione's a little shaken up," Ron said, he still had an arm around her, "Is it safe for me to go back in and get my potion supplies?"

"No," Ginny laughed, "Lavender is still making a scene and getting angry at everyone for not siding with her. You can go back though if you want to, I'm sure she'll love to have a round two with – "

"The bloody hell I don't want to go back in there!" Ron said, "If she's in there, I'll wait til the bell rings."

"I can get your supplies for you," a quiet voice said and they turned around to see Harry standing there, "I'm about to go back to the common room anyways, I just heard what happened and wanted to see if you two were alright?"

"Hermione's shaken up," Ron repeated, "But I'm fine."

Harry walked over and gave Hermione a hug before turning to Ron, "Where's your stuff?"

"It's right beside my nightstand, my potion book is already in the bag."

Harry nodded and walked towards the common, Ron and Hermione gave each other a meaningful look. "What's going on between you two?" Ginny asked, "You and Harry?"

"We're being civil," Ron said honestly, "I think we're just tired of arguing with each other."

"Well, good," Ginny said looking nervous, "Because I wanted to talk to you, I really like Harry, Ron and I know you two have your differences but – "

"If you want to date Harry," Ron interrupted and smiled, "I think that's great, Ginny. I rather it be Harry then someone else."

"Really?"

"Really," Ron said and grinned broadly when Ginny hugged him, what he said was true. Although he was protective as hell of his little sister, he would've been supportive if her and Harry started to see each other. He thought about telling her about the interview with Rita, but he wanted it to be a surprise for Harry and he knew Ginny would probably tell him, she was the worst at keeping secrets. As they walked to potions class, Ron realized how excited he was for the daily prophet to come out tomorrow so he could see Harry's reaction.