A/N: Welcome to another chapter of RWC fellow readers! Wow, it's been over a month, hasn't it? I'm glad to say that... SCHOOL IS OVER FOR ME IN 2 DAYS! Also, I managed to get A's on my finals (thank God)! That means that I have loads of time in updating me stories without any added pressure or stress in the mixture! I'm just so excited that freedom is just an inch away!
I really want to give all my thanks to the feedback I've recieved! So, thank you JeanAndBilius, HeRonLove, loverhr, and colossus13777. Also, thanks to AzureAlquimista and anon guest for your feedback as well! Also, thanks to the peeps who've followed and favorited this story!
Let's get on with the chapter! :D
Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah
Warning: It's blatant
Chapter 55 ~ The Quidditch Quarrel
O.W.L's were closer than it seemed. Umbridge was slowly conquering the whole school of Hogwarts, which scared the majority of the students. Most of the teachers were being fired, banished possibly under the order of the devious decrees Umbridge kept of spitting out, having the Minister approve every single of it. Soon, a new decree would be born, and that decree would affect all. On top of that all, Fred and George dropped out, making a history at Hogwarts from their fireworks show. Ron was told that they got a good yell from their parents, but mostly their mother.
The Golden Trio sat next to the fireplace at the Commons. Hermione had her legs crossed, engrossed in another book that would hopefully get her ready for the O.W.L's Ron sat there to the left of her on the good armchair, evidently ogling at his girlfriend. Whereas Harry just sat there, staring at the fireplace like usual.
"So, what did you guys tell McGonagall you wanted to be?" Hermione inquired, thirsty for some conversations.
"Uh, well…" Ron rubbed the back of his neck. "I want to be an Auror."
"An Auror?" she looked bewildered. "How come?"
He merely shrugged, "I want to contribute in taking out the trash, you know. This whole ordeal we're apart of, I want to make sure the next generation won't have to experience the living hell we've gone through together."
A genuine smile crept along Hermione's features, "That's honestly the most brilliant statement I've ever heard from you."
"What can I say? I bet that's why you love me so much," he winked at her.
She faked gagged, "I take back everything I've said!"
They started to chuckle together, leaving Harry to smile at them. He was a bit new to their relationship, but they truly were meant to be.
"I have to agree with Ron said there. I, too, want to become an Auror," Harry said to them. Suddenly, a frown was etched upon his pale face, "Unfortunately, Umbridge was there to rudely interrupt my conversation with McGonagall. What a bloody hag."
"You too, mate?" Ron grumbled, remembering what Umbridge had said to him. "Umbridge, that bitch."
That seemed to gain the expected attention from Hermione, "Wh-what? What did she say to you guys?"
"Well, she kept on blabbering about how I was pretty much a criminal," Harry rolled his eyes while saying this.
"Rubbish, I tell you," Hermione breathed out. She then, turned her head towards Ron, "What did she say to you?"
Ron avoided eye contact with her, involuntarily tapping his left foot, "She kept on telling me that the Ministry wouldn't accept a beast like me. Stating all of these facts about how werewolves have had a high crime rate for the past decade. Her bloody voice made me want to just sit through another lesson in the History of Magic class. I'd be happy just to hear Mr. Binns ramblings."
"You shouldn't let her get through to you like that," she went over to sit next to him. "She's just jealous of how handsome, loyal, and charming you are."
He showed off his lopsided grin, "Handsome, loyal, and charming? Bloody hell, what've I done to you woman?"
Hermione playfully punched him, as they, once again, laughed in harmony. Harry joined along the paradise. Ron could feel himself returning back to his old self. He leaned in closer to Hermione to steal a quick peck on the lips. He didn't know where or who he'd be without her in his life. He swooped in for a snog.
His and her hands were touching each other's hair, scraping scalps. Ron was about to ask permission into her mouth, but they heard someone clearing their throat. They broke apart to see Harry smirking cheekily at them. He started laughing, seeing their beet red faces.
"Damn you, Harry Potter," Ron spat teasingly. "You will pay for this! When you've managed to get a real girlfriend, I'll be sure to cockblock you!"
Ron was approaching the Gryffindor Quidditch tent. He was already fully geared, ready to save every single ring, if even possible. His eyes blazed with unwavering determination. He was ready to impress Hermione. Although, disappointed that Harry got banned from the team. Or was he? There was something in the back of his mind telling him:
That's right. Prove that you're the superior. Prove to her that Harry Potter is a useless scumbag.
He quickly brushed off the thought, not wanting to interfere with him during the game. Ron brushed off the dirt on his nose and zoomed out of the tent to meet up with the substitute Seeker. It was none other than Ginny Weasley, looking determined as ever. Her hair was tied into a tight ponytail, making her look more intimidating than she already was.
"There you are! I've been looking all over for you," Ginny exclaimed with relief. "I thought you forgot!"
"Nah, I wouldn't," the youngest son of the Weasleys grinned. "I had to be here. Impress the ladies…"
"You mean Hermione," Ginny rolled her eyes. "Come on, Ron. I already know. You dimwitted daft."
Ron scoffed at her, "Well, at least I have a bloody girlfriend!"
Before Ginny had a chance of hotly retort at him, Angelina came in with a knowing look.
"Let's get out there, Weasleys! The match's 'bout to start dammit!"
With a final playful glare at each other, they hitched up into the air. Ron felt himself ascending with the goals. He went to his respected spot and looked around the crowd of red and green. Gold and silver sparkled under the sunset. Ron gulped out loud, feeling sweaty. His heart was thumping heavily upon the cheering Gryffindors and the mixed emotions of Ravenclaws. There he saw pretty much the four houses. The Gryffindors were roaring with excitement.
I - I can do this, he said to himself. I'll do better than last game! I'll do it for them.
Before the game begun, he scanned around the bleachers to spot Harry and Hermione looking up at him. They waved at them with a big smile. In response, he waved back.
"Ron!" Hermione cheered him on. At least could hear here, even if she was that far away. "You can do this!"
Madam Hooch blew her whistle, "LET THE GAME BEGIN!"
Ron looked up from Hermione's gentle chocolate brown eyes. He faces Ginny's caramel eyes, signaling her that the snitch was right behind him. She took that signal to her advantage, not wanting Cho Chang, what seemed to be Harry's now ex-crush, spotting it first. Ron had a firm grip onto his broom, eyeing the quaffle as if it were his prey. Quite literally. He saw it being passed back and forth between the two Ravenclaws. Katie Bell was trying to get into the action with a bit of success. Angelina was trying as well.
They were approaching swiftly towards him.
The Ravenclaw to the right of him took aim and fired! Ron outstretched his arm to the left, predicting that they would try and fake him... He blocked the shot!
The Gryffindors were screeching with pride, seeing Ron stop the goal. Hermione had the broadest smile she had ever had. She was so proud of Ron. That was the Ron she knew and loved.
"Ron, that was brilliant!" she screamed with happiness.
He turned around to face her, showing off his lopsided grin. Suddenly, one of the Ravenclaws saw it as a chance to score. He zoomed through the pitch, only to be blocked again. The red and gold flags and banners waved in the air proudly, encouraging Ron even further.
In that moment, Hermione felt Harry nudge her, telling her to follow him with Hagrid. She looked back to see Ron completely concentrated at the game before him. His brows were furrowed with intimate concentration. She found it attractive at how determined at how he looked right now. As a bludger went flying around the stands, Hermione turned her head towards where Harry and Hagrid were going off to.
"WEASLEY BLOCKS ANOTHER ONE! THAT'S THREE IN A ROW! HE'S ON A STREAK!" the commentator yelled with joy.
Ron grinned at them, never feeling so much love from the people at the stands. However, their love couldn't come close to Hermione's love towards him. How she would look at him with such passion. Her locks of brown hair bouncing as she jumped with joy. The way her angelic laughter brought life to him again. He felt like he was falling in love with her over and over again. Sure they were only a bunch of hormonal teenagers, but Ron was willing to give Hermione his mind, body, and soul. Hopefully, she thought the same.
From his peripheral vision, he could see Cho and Ginny battling for the swift, sneaky golden snitch. Flashes of black and red were evident around the pitch, making the houses holler with encouragement. In a blink an eye, he saw another Ravenclaw zooming past the red robed Chasers. He recognized him as Milo Mills. A weird name if you were to ask him. Although, nothing could top Weasley. At least that's what Ron thought.
After a long, rigorous match between Ravenclaw, Gryffindor were the victors. As Ron descended down to the ground, colors of red and gold started to surround him. They lifted him up in the air, cheering with pride for their victory. Ron blushed at the attention he was given. He started to look around the crowd, trying to find any signs of a black-haired teen or a brunette with bushy hair. He was placed down to the ground, only to be greeted with congratulations.
"Oi, Weasley!" came the happy voice of Seamus. "There's gonna be a party at the Commons! You wanna come along? We're gonna do it at around eight at night."
"Uh, let me think about that," Ron mumbled, trying to get his way through the crowd.
Where in hell are they? Ron was starting to get to the point in where he was about to faint from a heart attack. He didn't know where his girlfriend and best friend were; that was usually a bad sign for sure. He looked around, feeling lonely. Not even these cheers for him could make him feel at home. Ron went into the tent to take off his equipment, placing them in his locker.
As he was taking off his shoulder pads, he spotted Ginny walking by to get her boots.
"Ginny!" Ron called out, gaining her attention. "Have you seen Hermione or Harry?"
"Actually… Now that you've mentioned it, I haven't seen them," said Ginny, looking just as worried at his older brother.
"Shit," Ron cursed, chucking his shoulder pads into the locker.
Ginny thought of an idea, "Look, we can separate and try to find them. They ought to be somewhere, you know."
"Great idea," Ron agreed with her.
"Not before you take a shower!" the youngest Weasley pinched her nose. "You smell like a dragon's dung!"
Ron rolled his eyes, "That's a bit exaggerated. Don't you think?"
The siblings laughed in union.
Ron sat there in a gloom mood. He was slouching, as he watched the Gryffindors partying at the Common Room. He saw a couple kissing, making him feel immense envy. Where was Hermione? Ron was begging to know where they had gone off to. He looked down to see his nails sharpening a bit.
He shoved his hands into his pockets; he turned pink. Ron looked over to see her sister talking with the Patil twins. Seamus was chugging shots of "prune juice."
"OI, FINNIGAN!" Ron yelled over to him. "STOP DRINKING FIREWHISKEY OR I WILL GIVE YOUR ASS DETENTION!"
"Wh-what's it to yee?" Seamus came stumbling to Ron. "Yee - Yee think you're soo cool? Wait 'til I get me hands on you!"
"Try me," the redhead growled.
"S-says the person who got ditched by their girlfriend!" Seamus started laughing like a maniac.
That made Ron snap. He charged Seamus to the wall, gaining gasp and expression of fear from everyone. The music stopped playing as everyone turned over to see the whole dilemma. Ron's eyes were burning with genuine hatred. His eyes were a shade of dark blue, making the Irish look at him with fear. The Weasley was breathing heavily, making sure that Seamus wouldn't get away.
"It's true, Weasley," Seamus scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Your girlfriend left you without even telling you. I consider that you break-up with her, so she can waltz into my arms."
"Sh-shut up!" Ron roared at him, slamming him against the wall again only to receive a laugh from him.
He was about to slam him once more, only to sense two new presences in the room. He heard the portrait hole creak open and then close. He loosened his grip around Seamus a bit, knowing that familiar scent. The scent of coconut and vanilla. Only he knew such a breathtaking scent.
"Ron?" she said in a soft voice at the scene before her. "Wh-what is the meaning of this?!"
Ron had let go of Seamus, letting him breathe. He slowly turned around to face Hermione. Her hands were on her hips, staring him down with perplexity. Ron was feeling so many emotions. He was gleeful to see Hermione again but enraged that she had left him with no reason why. He had his Weasley temper to overcome him to not see the rational side to her disappearance.
Ron scoffed, "What was the meaning of you leaving without any notice?"
Hermione pursed his lips, "I went with Harry to help Hagrid."
"I see…" Ron glared at her.
Hermione looked around the room, groaning with irritation that the crowd of Gryffindors would, of course, listen to them rowing with intent, "We'll deal with this outside."
The two lovebirds walked out of the Commons to come face-to-face with each other. Their eyes never left each other.
"When did you leave?" Ron inquired.
Hermione responded, "When you saved the first quaffle from going into the goal, I left with Harry."
"So, you didn't see me make all of those saves?" Ron said in a quiet voice with evident hurt.
The brunette looked at him with sympathy, "I'm sorry, Ron. I know how much this match meant to you."
"No shit!" Hermione jumped a little from the outburst. "We won the bloody cup!"
"So I heard," said Hermione, feeling so guilty to have left Ron there.
"You have no idea how much that match meant to me! All those saves, I thought about you," the Weasley's eyes looked downwards to his shoes. "I was thinking how proud you'd be of me. You'd come running into my arms, kissing me all over the bloody place. We'd lay together in the dungeon to talk about the game. You'd comment how brilliant I was on the pitch. I would shower you with compliments as well."
Tears started to fill the brim of Hermione's eyes. She had no idea how much that match really meant to him. She was about to respond, but Ron looked up at her with dark blue eyes. She bit her lower lip, quivering a bit.
"What I'm trying to say is that I did all of that for you," he breathed out.
"Oh, Ron," Hermione approached him, but he backed away.
"No. I want some time alone, Hermione," he said her name quietly. "Don't come with me to the dungeon until I've said that you can join me."
With that, he turned away from her. They left each other into pieces.
It had been almost a week since Ron and Hermione have talked. The ginger walked into his familiar dungeon. He inhaled the scent of honey. He was somewhat glad that Umbridge had placed the candle on his stand. His eyes flickered with sorrow.
He missed the way Hermione would smile, blush, and laugh at him. How their eyes and demeanor would light up around each other. He missed the way she would comfort him. Her gentle words of reassurance never failed to keep him sane. Her lovely locks tickling his nose, as he breathed in the scent of vanilla and coconut. He held onto the over part of the locket tightly.
Ron was hoping that Hermione would come around and talk to him. It seemed to not have had happened yet. He laid his head against the somewhat comfy pillow. He pulled up his rather small blanket. It didn't even reach up to his feet. He really was a towering behemoth.
Ron tossed and turned. Maybe he shouldn't have said it too rough. Although, she did deserve it. She had left his side, leaving him fro the great Harry Potter. Ron scowled a bit at the thought of Harry. Even if she was his girlfriend, she would choose Harry and Harry. Over and over again. This time, he growled with frustration.
He took a deep breath, looking around his gloomy room. He could hear the trees dancing outside, how the owls would hoots. The way he could feel the fear of everyone trapped in this dungeon. Based off from his understandings, there was half-breed here. Examples would be half-elves, half-goblin, and more. It seemed like he was the most dangerous of the bunch.
Ron then looked at the locket at his table stand. He could see her smiling forever. He sure had missed her.
Slumber had finally washed over him with dreams of a certain brunette.
O.W.L.s were coming in hard upon the 5th years. In the corner of the Gryffindor Commons sat Parvati munching on a red delicious as she flipped through her textbook about Intermediate Transfiguration. Next to here was Lavender, who was humming to herself as she tried on a new brand of nail polish. Hermione looked like she was about to lose it. Numerous of books surrounded her. Pages upon pages of notes sat beside her. Her hair was sticking all over the place.
The pressure of the exams and Ron's cold shoulder made her nearly faint every day since the start of O.W.L.s. Ron entered the Common room looking tired. He had to go through another detention with Snape after blowing up at his face. His weary crystal blue orbs found its way towards the bushy haired brunette. He felt his heart mashup to see her.
He dug his hands into the pockets of his trousers, sitting gingerly near her. Hermione's roommates took it as a signal to give them privacy and so they did. He fumbled around the loose thread on the sleeve of his robe.
"If you're here to talk about pointless things that don't have to do anything with the O.W.L.s for Potions, which is, by the way, tomorrow, then leave," she said with a stern voice.
Ron breathed out, "Before I leave, I wanna give you something."
He took out a piece of the ham sandwich that was carefully wrapped up to look somewhat fancy. Hermione looked at him quizzically. She approached him with a timid hand until she had the sandwich in her hands.
"Thought it'd be nice to give some to you. You weren't there at dinner, and that made me really worried," his eyes started to turn pink. "Not to mention how mental you look."
She looked up at him for the first time in weeks. Her breathing hitched, feeling her eyes water a bit. Her resistance to not talk to him failed her this time, "Damn you, Ronald Weasley."
Hermione hugged him tightly, his strong arms secured the action. They breathed in each other's scent, relishing this moment. Their actions never failed each other. Some of the books on her lapped tumbled over, making room for Ron to take her with him.
They arrived at the dungeon; they laid together on the pathetic bed. Hermione turned to face his toned chest, inhaling the scent of his cologne. Ron sighed, feeling satisfied to have his girlfriend talking to him again. He involuntary started stroking her mane of locks as if it was it was his stress relief. Hermione chuckled at how Ron was ogling over here. It didn't come as much as a surprise to her.
"What are you giggling about?" Ron inquired her, feeling flustered.
She smiled, "You look like a puppy from playing around with my hair!"
His lopsided grin never failed in making her beam with happiness.
A/N: I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I like to think of this chapter as filler chapter. Also, I'm glad to say that OotP is almost over! There will be 2 or 3 more chapters of it, and then we'll be moving on to HBP! I have much ideas to be implemented there, hehe.
Honestly though, thank you guys for everything!
Have a great day and be safe! :)