Chapter 3:
The Library
Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognize.
A/N: Alright, so in the last chapter I had Ron dream that Harry and Hermione were going to the Yule Ball together because "they were in love with each other." I in no way intended to be "mean to Ron" because he was the one having the dream. His subconscious was telling him A.) to get a move on and B.) not to let Harry get this, with everything else that he already has (according to Ron). I accept constructive criticism but not someone telling me that I "treated my character badly" especially when it's not even my character. Did you tell J.K. Rowling that she treated Hermione badly when Ron went out with Lavender? Didn't think so. If you don't like my stories, don't read them, and especially don't review them unless you have something good to add to it, not simply because "you didn't like my approach". For those of you who actually like this story, enjoy.
Later that day, Ron found himself walking towards the library with Harry by his side. The plan was quite simple- they were going to find Hermione and pretend to be interested in all of her S.P.E.W. business. Harry was going to go and "look for a book on House Elves" so that Ron could ask Hermione to the ball.
Ron had never had such a feeling of dread in his stomach. Each step seemed to bring him closer to his death. When they finally reached the doors to the library, Ron had to force himself to walk inside and act as if nothing was wrong. It took Harry and Ron a few minutes to find Hermione, largely due to the fact that she was hidden by an enormous stack of books with titles like "How to Deal with Your Naughty House Elf" and "House Elves: A Beginner's Guide to Owning a Loyal Servant." Hermione was writing furiously as she scanned the pages of "Great House Elf crimes of the Past Century."
"Uh, hi Hermione" Harry said. Ron just stood there looking at her, his feet getting ready to run in the opposite direction.
"Oh, Hello Ron, Harry." She didn't even look up from her notes as she closed one book and moved on to the next. Harry and Ron sat down on either side of her and Ron grabbed the nearest book, entitled "Breeding House Elves for Pleasure and Profit."
"What is this rubbish?" Ron asked as he flipped through the pages.
"This rubbish" Hermione said as she pulled the book out of his hands and laid it down on the other side of her, "is an example of how poorly treated House Elves are. If you came to disrupt my process Ronald, I suggest you leave."
"Fine, shutting up then" Ron said and mockingly locked his mouth and threw away the key. "Great" Ron thought to himself, "You've already got her mad at you."
"Hermione" Ron heard Harry say, for it was impossible to see him behind the stack of books surrounding them. "Ron and I came to tell you that we want to help with S.P.E.W. We've realized how important it is to you and want to lighten your work load."
"That's very thoughtful of the two of you, but I don't want you to join S.P.E.W. to make me happy, I want you to join S.P.E.W. because it's the right thing to do for these poor, mistreated House Elves."
"Fine" Ron said, "We'll do it for the elves."
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, a look of doubt in her eyes.
"I'm positive" Ron replied and pulled "What to Expect when your House Elf is Expecting" towards him. He had not yet opened the book when a mane of bushy hair collided with him. Hermione had flung herself at him, crying and murmuring about how much it meant to her. Ron looked up and saw Harry grinning at him from behind Hermione's head, a knowing look in his eyes. Hermione let go and then set back to her work as she wiped the tears from her eyes. She continued writing but spoke to them as she wrote.
"It's been so hard doing all of this by myself. There is so much information to find out, but I'm on the last two books about House Elves, so I should be done by tonight. I'll really need you guys for when it comes time to recruit members . I'm making pamphlets tomorrow morning."
Harry glanced at Ron and Ron nodded nervously to signal he was ready- it was time to ask Hermione to the Ball.
"Well Hermione" Harry started, "I would like nothing more than to go and get more books to gather information. Ron can stay here and help you, maybe learn some things, ask a few questions…" Ron shifted in his seat as he made a mental note to kill Harry for that statement.
"Oh, that won't be necessary Harry" Hermione said as she turned the page in her notebook and started writing again. "I used the summoning charm you learned for the First Task to summon all the books in the castle about House Elves. If you want to ask questions though, I'd be happy to answer them."
"Uh, no thanks Hermione. I don't have any questions."
"Well then you two can start copying out these information packets- you'll learn something and help lighten my work load." She pushed a pile of papers towards each of the boys and then returned to her own tedious work. Ron sighed, gave Harry a firm kick under the table, and then started writing out the packet. After an hour of copying facts about the Common House Elf, Ron's hand was starting to cramp. He was about to call it quits when Harry stood up and stretched.
"Listen, Hermione, I've got to take a bathroom break. I'll be back." And without another word, he left, winking at Ron before walking away.
"Well, this is it" Ron thought to himself.
"Hermione, I-"
"Ron I need help putting all of these books back, grab some will you- we'll talk later." Ron resentfully picked up a large stack of books and followed Hermione to the correct section.
"Listen, Hermione, before-"
"SHHH! This is a library, not a public forum! No talking or I'll have to ask you to leave." Madame Pince swooped up from behind them and whispered her warning.
"Yes Madame Pince" Hermione said while shooting Ron the death glare. Ron did not try to speak again until he was helping Hermione put her research in her bag.
"I wanted to ask you if-"
"Enough! I do not tolerate speaking in my library and I've already warned you once, I must ask you to leave until you have all of the chatter out of you. Good day!" Madame Pince foiled Ron's efforts once more.
"Oh well, I'll just ask her in the hallway" Ron thought as he and Hermione left. Unfortunately, as they headed out of the library, Harry headed in, and by the look of Ron's disappointed face he knew he had come back too soon.
