Chapter 19: The Forbidden Forest

AN: Originally titled Preparing for Two Big Days, but didn't like it much. Thanks for all your fantastic reviews…did I reply to them all? I hope so…I'll make sure this time. You all make my day. Special thanks at end of chapter…you must read first to see who inspired some of this chapter.

Last time...

An hour later while Harry and Ginny comforted Hermione at dinner, Ron was still sulking at the quidditch pitch. A sultry voice was heard behind him. "What wrong, Won Won?"

Later that evening Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Draco, Neville, Parvati, and a few other trusted students were sitting in Dumbledore's office. The Headmaster waited for a few minutes, likely for Ron, but then started the meeting without him. He told them about Voldemort's plans, and how they all needed to be prepared. To help other students prepare without scaring them. At least, not too much. They were given new schedules to train with Professor Snape, Lupin, Tonks, Bill and Charlie Weasley, as well as the Weasley twins.

Hermione and Harry kept hoping the door would open, and would occasionally glance at it, as if expecting Ron to suddenly burst through and apologize for being late. He never showed.

Ron couldn't believe the mess he was in. He had blown things with Hermione, sent Maria an impromptu letter, gotten yelled at by his best mate, skipped Dumbledore's important meeting, and been confronted by Lavender. Oh, yeah…he almost forgot…realizing what a git he was to Hermione.

The evening before…

"What wrong, Won Won?"

Ron grimaced as he looked up to see Lavender standing over him. He turned to stare at the ground again, hoping she'd leave.

"Won, you can tell me about it." She said as she sat herself down. "You're obviously not with her anymore, and I know how to make it better. She's such a loser, just forget about her and we can have some real fun.

Ron tried to shrug her off, but she laughed and wrapped her arms around him.

"Come on, Won Won…kiss me. We could do it right here, you know I'd let you do anything to me."

She leaned over and kissed him on the lips, the words to a fertility spell running through her head. Even if Ron went running back to that prude of a girl, perhaps she'd get pregnant and then he'd have to leave Hermione and marry her.

Ron was still as Lavender kissed him. When he realized what was happening he brought his hand up and pulled her off of him. "Bloody hell, woman! Get off me! I don't like you! I never did! I love Hermione!" He pushed her off completely and then ran off.

Ron kept running until he came upon the Forbidden Forest. He never stopped as he went running into it, not knowing what or who would come across his path.

Ron woke with a start from a sound above his head. Looking up he saw a Centaur. Oh, crap!

The next morning Harry woke early to find Ron already gone…or had he even made it to bed? Alarmed, Harry shot up and woke up the others. "Any of you see Ron come in last night?" As groans were made by the other boys waking up, Harry glanced again at Ron's bed. It didn't look slept in.

Unfortunately, no one had seen Ron, and Seamus joked that Lavender was also missing the night before. Harry shot the boy a scathing look, then quickly got dressed and went downstairs hoping Ginny was up and waiting for him.

"Have you seen Ron?" He asked when he saw her sitting on the couch.

"No…he isn't…"

"Doesn't look like he came back. Seamus said something about Lav…"

Just then Lavender came down from the girls' dormitory. She looked like hell, as if she'd been crying all night.

"Have you seen Ron?" He asked her bluntly.

"Not since last night…he…"

"He what, Lavender?"

"He yelled at me! Told me he didn't love me! And I was just trying to comfort him!"

Harry rolled his eyes then turned to Ginny. "Come on, we need to get Hermione."

"Tell that mudblood she's welcome to him!"

Ginny ran over and smacked the girl. "Don't you ever call her that!"

Lavender broke into tears, and was then comforted by a couple of sixth year girls who had just come down from their dorm room.

"Come on," Harry told Ginny, "We have to go get Hermione!"

Ginny followed Harry as they ran to the Head Boy and Girl's room.

Nearly an hour later, Ron and the centaur were sitting by an open fire. The centaur had introduced himself as Aumon, and had told the young student how he was one of the eldest centaurs in the forest. He mostly took care of himself, while the others tended to move around in small groups. Ron had figured this was why the centaur hadn't pummeled him to near death, and was now making sure the boy was warm.

Aumon looked over Ron carefully. He had seen the boy before, had noticed him spending quite a bit of time with Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived.

"You spent the entire night in the forest." He stated clearly.

Ron nodded, warming his hands by the fire.

"You are fortunate one of my kind did not find you, although there are more dangerous creatures about in the forest."

"When did you find me?"

"I saw you running through the forest. I watched over you."

"Thanks."

"But now you must tell me what brought you out here alone. I know something must be troubling you, otherwise you wouldn't have acted so foolish."

"It…it's nothing."

The centaur frowned. "I saved your life, and this is how you repay me?"

"I…I didn't mean…"

"Hush, you are still a boy. Forgive me, I am used to speaking with men. It has been many years since I have talked with a young one of any species. I am curious, and ask that you tell me your story."

And so Ron told him. Everything. When he was finally finished, Ron let out a deep breath.

Aumon paused, thinking and studying the boy further. "It seems you have a decision to reach. And you must do so quickly."

"It may sound easy enough, but…"

"But nothing. The war is coming sooner than you think. Great danger looms your path every minute you are out of Dumbledore's holding. You must decide if she's worth it or not."

Ron gulped. He wasn't even sure who Aumon meant…Hermione or Maria? Perhaps both. Ron leaned back on the rough ground and stared up at the sky, thinking. A nagging thought at the back of his head told him others might be looking for him, but he felt so peaceful out in the open with the centaur.

Meanwhile…

"He isn't anywhere!" Hermione exclaimed with a stomp of her foot. They had been searching for some time now, even after Harry couldn't find Ron on the map. They had gone out to the pitch, to Hagrid's hut and around there, and by the lake. No sign of the tempered red-head. "Where's Harry?" she asked Ginny, who was watching Hermione carefully. Neville and Parvati had just returned from their first morning class, which the others had skipped.

"Don't you remember?" Ginny then turned to the couple and told them as well. "Harry's went up to grab his jacket. He's going to go look around in Hogsmead." She decided not to tell Parvati about Harry's cloak, even though Neville already had found out some years ago.

"What about the forest?" Neville asked.

"The Forbidden Forest? You don't think…oh, wait, this is my brother we're talking about."

"But we can't go there unless someone comes with us…and that would mean telling a professor." Hermione exclaimed. Even though she had earlier wanted to tell Dumbledore, Harry refused. He wanted to find Ron first.

Just then the common room door opened again, but this time it was Dumbledore himself coming through.

"Ah! I thought I might find our missing students here." He exclaimed when as Harry came running down the stairs to the boys common room.

"But sir," Hermione said flustered and worried. "We don't know where Ron is!"

Harry sighed. "We haven't been able to find him. He's been gone since last night."

Dumbledore had a twinkle in his eye. "Ah, yes, you are worried about your friend. No need to be, he is being taken care of as we speak."

"He's not…" Ginny broke in.

"He's fine, Ms. Weasley. No doubt he has had to sort through quite a bit." Dumbledore said with a wink toward Hermione.

Hermione blushed.

"So there's no need to skip further classes, I'll excuse this one time. But please, don't miss your arranged meetings later today. They are most important. I'll bring Mr. Weasley up to date once I've spoken to him. Now, good day! You've only a few more minutes to make your classes on time."

"Yes, sir." They all replied at once.

Hermione sighed as she left her last class later that day. It was one she shared with both Harry and Ron, but only Harry walked beside her as they made their way back to the Gryffindor Common Room. Just as they reached the entrance, Ron came up behind them.

"Ron!" Harry cried out when he noticed his friend. He wanted to ask him where he'd been, but considering the circumstances, he decided it could wait.

"Hey." Was all Ron would say. He wouldn't look at either Harry or Hermione.

"Well, I need to head back to my rooms before…" Hermione said as she turned away, feeling tears form.

"Yeah." Harry replied. "Later, Hermione."

Hermione hurried back down the spiraling stairs and was soon out of sight. Harry turned to Ron again, after watching Hermione leave. "You really hurt, her, Ron." Was all he could say.

"I know." And with that, Ron muttered the password and walked in, heading straight for the boys' dormitory.

Harry was left speechless, but he followed and left his books by his bed and, without a word, went to go and meet with Snape. Later he was to meet with Lupin.

Meanwhile, Hermione hurried to her own room to drop of her book bag. Her first meeting was with Charlie Weasley; then she was to meet with Tonks.

She stepped into the dark, empty classroom with anticipation, but Charlie could quickly tell that something was wrong. Knowing they had important lessons to go over, he decided to quickly clear the air.

"Hermione, is something wrong?"

"No, I'm fine, really. Please can we begin?"

Charlie sighed. Teen angst was not going to do the war any good. "Hermione, if something is wrong you need to work through it, or at least tell someone. We're facing war soon, and if you're caught in it you can't let these things fester."

"Ron and I had an argument, that's all."

"Well, I know my brother is known for having a short fuse. Have you tried talking to him?"

Hermione nodded. "He's…he's really mad at me. But…well, Ginny and Harry know."

"You know, even though Ron can be tempered easily, the good side of him usually wins. He's fiercely loyal, and can often be bested by his own pride."

Not wanting to pry further, Charlie simply said "Well then that will have to do. Breath deeply for a few minutes. I need you to clear your head. Then we shall begin." With that he left her alone for a few minutes, stepping into the teacher's chamber to retrieve a few items. He lingered a bit before returning.

"Now Hermione," He said when he saw her looking ready, "I'm going to start you with this flame thrower. It can help in battle, and I've heard you are quick with the wand and highly capable of using a second weapon in your other hand."

Hermione's eyes brightened, and before they knew it, Hermione was learning everything at her normal, fast pace.

Two hours later Hermione stepped out of the classroom, ready to head for dinner. She'd gotten burned a few times, and even though Charlie had put a salve on her open wounds they were still visible. He also helped her clean off the ash that had spilt on her skin.

When she approached Harry and Ginny at the Gryffindor table, they looked at her in awe. While both were sore and tired from their own lessons neither had any visible signs showing.

"Hermione! What happened to you?" Ginny exclaimed in a loud whisper.

"Your brother, the dragon tamer."

By now Ron, who was sitting quietly nearby, knew about the plans. He had spent his day with Dumbledore rather than going to classes.

He, too, was shocked at Hermione's appearance, and was shaken by it. He wondered what the bloody hell his brother had done to her. His fist clenched up, but was then quickly released.

After dinner the four of them met up in Room of Requirement. Ron was quiet, and sat on a lone chair while the other three sat comfortably on the couch together.

"So you've already trained with Charlie, who else are you seeing?" Ginny asked.

Ron felt his fist go tight again. He knew Ginny phrased her question like that on purpose.

Hermione fought her blush, also knowing what Ginny tried to imply. "I'll also be working with Ms. Tonks, Professor MacGonnagal, and of course, I'll be continuing to work with Professor Snape. How about the rest of you?"

"Snape, Lupin, Bill and Dumbledore." Harry answered.

"Tonks and Bill are my only two." Ginny answered. They all turned to Ron, although Harry was wondering why he and Hermione were training with more Order members than Ginny. He wanted to hear what Ron's reply was.

"Bill and Professor Lupin. Friday I'll see MacGonnagal." Ron replied. He left out his final trainer.

Harry eyed Ron suspiciously; he could tell when his friend wasn't telling all there was to tell.

"I gotta go." Ron said as he got up and then quickly left the room.

Hermione sighed as Ginny patted her friend on the shoulder.

Later…

Hermione slowly walked up the spiraling staircase to Dumbledore's office. She was still heartbroken over Ron's treatment of her, and had to admit she shouldn't have told him the truth. But that was not why she was at the Headmaster's office now, the visit was for a different matter. He greeted her in normal fashion, but she suspected he knew the reason for her visit.

"Why?" She whispered to Dumbledore once she was settled in her seat across from him.

The Headmaster's eyes twinkled yet he still looked at her with concern. "My dear Ms. Granger, I know this has been hard on you. Keeping your identity a secret whilst establishing a true friendship with both Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter. But I knew it had to be done."

"I don't understand."

"I specifically arranged for you to become a pen-pal with Mr. Potter."

"What?!!"

"Yes, I had to do something. You were supposed to come to Hogwarts in your first year. I had foreseen the three of you becoming friends, forming a deep bond that would be essential for Mr. Potter to finally rid our world of Voldemort's existence."

"We are supposed to…"

"Yes, that is what I said, Ms. Granger. Only the three of you together shall overcome the Dark Lord. And in this battle the three of you will have your own tests to overcome. The power of three, and only the power of three, shall be victorious in this battle."

"Why the power of three, Professor?" Hermione asked.

"You each have your own destiny to fulfill, or, like I said, tests of your strength. Mr. Potter's is that he is still quite hesitant over being a hero, but he is the chosen one and thus his challenge shall be to overcome his fears of his own powers. Yours is overcoming your own cognitive dominance over your actions. You must channel your instinct while using your wand and other abilities.

"You mean to have faith in myself."

"Exactly, Ms. Granger! Now, as for Mr. Weasley…his test is love itself."

"I don't see how love can be his…"

"Ah! But it is! It is exactly what saved Mr. Potter that night his parents were attacked. Ron's test will be more specific. His test is forgiveness. I have known for a long time that one of the two young men is your soul mate, Ms. Granger. Until recently, I did not know which one. But over the past few months it has all become clear, ever since I saw you with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley alone. That is why I allowed Harry to find out who you really are."

"And why you still forbid me to tell Ron." She sighed and closed her eyes. "He must forgive me."

Dumbledore nodded.

"There's one more thing I don't understand. Why have you told me this…I mean, if they are indeed tests to overcome the Dark Lord, why have you told me?"

"For one, I will need you to make another vow. You cannot tell Harry or Ron, or anyone, what I have just shared with you. But your word will be enough."

"And why else? You said 'for one'…"

"Ah, yes…nothing escapes you, Ms. Granger. I only told you because I know that you will still overanalyze everything I have told you tonight. Your faith will not come any sooner than the battle itself."

Hermione gulped in realization of what the Headmaster had said. He was right.

The days that passed were miserable for Ron, who kept a low profile. He stuck to his school work, his quidditch playing, and of course, his training. He knew Harry was receiving more training than anyone, and that he, too, received more than the others. He didn't know, of course, that Hermione was receiving as much as him.

He finally got around to talking with Harry. One night, they were alone up in the boys' dormitory, each laying on their respective beds.

"You know, I don't really blame you." Harry spoke.

"You don't? I thought…"

"I was protecting Hermione. You were bloody awful to her, and she was hurt. Maybe I sort of think of her as a sister. But I can't blame you for being upset. Hermione may know a lot, but sometimes she doesn't think about it."

"She…" The red head paused. He couldn't say it aloud.

"I know, Ron. And in a twisted way, I can understand why. But I don't agree…well, I just don't think I would have made the choice had I been a girl."

"Blokes do, though."

"Yeah…just look at Seamus. Reckon he's had his share of shags."

"Can't be worse than Malfoy."

"Ron, why didn't you with Lavender? I mean, she was also all over you."

Ron shook his head. "I dunno, Harry. Well, I think I do. But it's not something a bloke admits, you know?"

Harry sighed. "Yeah, I know. I haven't either, just so you know."

Ron sniggered and threw a pillow over at his best mate. "You better have not!"

Soon a pillow fight ensued, but it stopped when Neville came in after hanging out in the common room with Parvati. Dean and Seamus soon followed, and each got ready for a good nights sleep.

As his dorm mates lay sleeping, Ron lay wide awake. The talk with Harry helped, knowing that his best mate still respected him. But he was still plagued with thoughts of Hermione…and Maria.

Special thanks to Eckles and giving me some thoughts that led to some of the scenes in this chapter: Ron's test; Harry and Ron's conversation. It also prompted me to finally answer WHY Harry found out about Maria (and not Ron). I've been struggling with that one myself!