Chapter 4 – Secrets
The next morning, things seemed to have calmed down. Hermione had obviously talked to Ron. Given the time they got back, she had probably talked him through a thorough analysis of the situation. Harry was ready to go to sleep by the time they got back. When he and Ron came up to the dormitories, they had said goodnight to each other as if nothing was wrong, but Harry thought Ron seemed a little too happy.
They all came down to breakfast together, as usual, and nothing about the night before came up until Hermione so bluntly started the conversation.
"So, Harry. Ginny seemed very happy last night before we went to sleep. Anything new?" She said this as if she knew exactly what was new.
Harry took a glance in Ron's direction. He looked as if he was struggling very hard not to say anything. Harry decided to be careful.
"I helped her with her Charms homework. Unfortunately, she seems to take after Ron here."
"Hey!" Ron interjected, smiling. He was quiet for a moment after their laughter had died down and then offered his hand to Harry.
"Ginny's all yours mate. But, I guess it doesn't matter what I say because she's just gonna go out with you anyway!"
"Ooh, ooh, Harry, did you say yes? Well, of course you said yes! You are going to Hogsmeade with her, right?" Hermione looked ready to explode with excitement. She looked rather like Lavender when a good piece of gossip came around. Harry thought he'd have a little fun with this. It couldn't hurt. Harry hid the grin on his face and spoke:
"No," he lied, fooling them both by the looks on their faces, "I said no. I couldn't go with her." Hermione looked devastated, while Ron simply looked ready to beat Harry to a pulp. Harry decided against pulling the joke any farther. Apparently, it could hurt. Him in particular.
He waited a second more before he burst out, "I'm only joking! Of course I said yes. I don't have bat bogeys for brains you know?" Harry laughed hysterically at them.
Hermione slapped him on the arm, "That wasn't funny, Harry. And you might want to be careful what you say. I talked to Ron here but he is still her brother and there are certain brotherly instincts that he cannot control."
Harry responded, "Talked? Are you sure that's all you two did? Are you sure you didn't snog him senseless to get him to shut up?"
"What!" Ron and Hermione turned to him, dumfounded looks on their faces. They also both looked slightly pink.
"I'm kidding! Can't a bloke joke around here? But you did get back a little late last night."
Hermione blushed crimson this time and pursed her lips, "You don't know what you're talking about, Harry." Harry however felt that he did know what he was talking about.
They returned to finishing their breakfasts but Harry couldn't help but think that what filled the air around them was not only silence, but a silence filled with unsaid secrets.