For the Ministry Christmas Party on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
H.M.A.S. Golden Embers
— Pansy and Ron —
When Ron brings Pansy Parkinson to Sunday dinner at the Burrow, he forgets to tell Hermione. Her face flushes red. Pansy, pressing a kiss to both her cheeks, comments that it must be the chill. But Harry, who watches from afar, knows that that particular shade of red is one best associated with rage. He acts immediately, weaving through the bustling living room, hooking his arm through hers, and whisking her upstairs away from prying ears and curious eyes.
"You knew!" she says accusingly, pressing her finger into his chest. "Merlin. Did everyone know? Was I the only person who didn't know?!"
Harry's hesitation is all the confirmation she needs.
"Seriously?" Hermione's face tightens. "I'm the only person who didn't know that Ron has decided to shack up with Pansy Parkinson?"
"Well, I'm sure Victoire didn't—"
"Harry."
He shrugs. "It was Ron's news to tell." Then, with a pointed look, he adds, "Maybe he didn't think you'd take it well."
"Didn't think I'd take it well?" Hermione echoes, flabbergasted. "Why wouldn't I take it well? Maybe because he's dating a girl who did nothing but torment us for seven years?"
"That was a long time ago, Hermione," Harry says weakly. "We've all changed since school, haven't we?"
"But she was horrible to everyone," she hisses. "She made fun of Neville's weight. And Angelina's hair. My hair! And she made fun of his family, for goodness sake, always going on about how they were blood traitors and whatnot. Honestly, she was just as cruel as Malfoy. Sometimes worse! Don't you remember that she tried to hand you over to Voldemort?"
"Well, when you say it like that…" Harry trails off as Hermione glares at him. "Look, I know all that. Ron knows all that. But she's different now."
"And how would you know that?" Then the penny drops. "You've spent time with them!"
"Just once. Or twice. Or a few times." He winces. "Point is, she's different now. Promise. And she makes Ron happy. That's all that matters, isn't it?"
And although such sentimentality from Harry is usually enough to make Hermione blanche (and seriously consider his intentions), she finds the anger inside of her beginning to deflate. She also becomes acutely aware that the amount of time she's spent upstairs is more than enough to fuel gossip amongst the Weasley family. And so, taking a few deep breaths and willing the red in her cheeks to settle, Hermione makes for the door.
"If she says a word..."
"She won't," Harry says, sounding far too cheerful for Hermione's liking. "I told you. She's different. You two might even become friends."
It's enough to make Hermione trip over her own feet. But at the bottom of the stairs, Ron, who has finally gathered the courage to follow after her, stares up at them. And so, Hermione resists the urge to turn around and snap at Harry. Instead, she forces a bright smile. And although Hermione wishes she could scream and shout, she watches as the tension in Ron's shoulder falls away, and finds herself silenced.