Ravenclaws and Gryffindors had different class schedules. Where the Gryffindors had often been paired with Slytherins, most Ravenclaw classes were with the Hufflepuffs. Harry was both relieved and dismayed: he had classes with Neville, but very few with Ron. Furthermore, Ron already seemed to be making close friends with Dean and Seamus. If he wanted to stay friends, he'd have to be very purposeful.
First class for Ravenclaws was Charms, shared with Hufflepuffs. He sat with Hermione and Neville. He was surprised at how orderly and calm the classroom was. Everyone was paying attention. He'd never been in a classroom without Gryffindors.
Then Transfiguration, which was the same. Finally, History of Magic with everyone, including the Gryffindors. Harry made special effort to sit right next to Ron, with Hermione on his other side. Dean, Seamus, and Neville were all nearby. Even Ravenclaws tended to doze and chat in History, since the lessons were repetitive and uninteresting and the teacher never chastized anyone for not paying attention.
Harry tried to make whispered conversation. "I'm muggle-raised, so I've certainly never had a ghost for a teacher. Far less interesting than I thought it would be."
Ron paid him no attention at all. He was dismayed. Hermione suddenly poked his side. He looked at her sheepishly, expecting her to be angry he wasn't paying attention in class. Instead, her expression was curious. He leaned over to hear what she had to say.
Hermione also leaned, so that her face was right against his ear. She cupped her hands around her mouth to help muffle the noise and spoke in the quietest whisper.
"Do you like that boy?" She asked.
Harry bolted straight up immediately. "No!" He whispered back. Hermione only giggled quietly. She clearly didn't believe him.
He copied her earlier movements, "I don't, Hermione! I'm straight, okay! And that is certainly not my type!"
They exchanged ears, Hermione whispering, "Okay, okay. You just seem to be staring at him a lot. Talking about our crushes is a thing friends do, isn't it?"
She smiled at him to show that she was joking, lighthearted.
Harry smiled back, "Do you have a crush on anyone in the room?" He whispered to her, laughing himself.
She giggled, but didn't speak.
"Would you two stop that?" Ron said out loud, startling them. "I'm trying to sleep over here."
"O-oh." Said Harry, "Sorry, I just thought - "
"Oh, shut it book-worm," Seamus said. "Nobody cares."
Harry was utterly appalled. Just because he was in Ravenclaw? He found himself frowning, feeling rejected, then felt a hand on his back. He turned to see Neville, who only shrugged. Harry recognized the gesture. It was a warm feeling having the support of your friends. He spent the rest of the period reading his History text with Hermione.
All day, Harry thought about the Ron situation. He'd always had Ron as a friend, never known the other boy when he didn't have Harry's back. Only that time in fourth year. He bit his tongue, feeling bitter. All friends had fights. He shouldn't still feel upset about that. He shouldn't, but he did.
Ron had become a real ass when he and Harry weren't on the same side.
In this mood, Harry decided to prioritize. Voldemort could come later. He was killing Pettigrew first.
Why not now? It had to happen eventually.
Quick author note (forgive me!): I've been writing shorter chapters, like the one above, so that I can get reviews on the material and see what to do better on next time, with the side effect of more frequent updates. But from what I've read online, long, infrequent chapters are more popular. If it's not trouble to you, I'd like to know what you think I should do. Just putting your opinion with your review would mean the world to me. But if you don't feel like it, don't worry. I don't mind at all. I just want to do my best writing! Thank you for reading so far!