Here's the new chapter! Sorry it's been so long. School is very busy. New chapters have been written and on the way though! I appreciate everyone that is still with this story. I appreciate it so much. Don't forget to review, I hope you enjoy!
"I can't believe it! They're still fighting!" Ginny huffed, slamming her books down on the library table where Hermione was sitting.
"Still? It's been over a week. Why are they fighting anyway? Did you figure it out?"
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Sort of… Dean was the only one who would speak with me. It wasn't much. I saw that he was angry when we went down to the pitch to clean out the locker rooms. I asked him what was wrong and he just said that he and Seamus had a disagreement. But I feel like if it was just a disagreement they would've made up by now, you know?"
"Yes, it's really not like them. I'm worried. It's so close to the end of the year…none of us should be fighting. We're all each other has."
"Maybe I should try talking to him again. I guess it wouldn't hurt."
"That sounds good. I could talk to Seamus too. We could help them out, get them to talk face to face."
"Yeah, you're right. How about we try tonight?"
"Agreed."
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Later than night, just as planned, Hermione and Ginny went their separate ways to find Dean and Seamus.
Hermione didn't have to go far. She found Seamus in an Ancient Runes classroom right near the portrait hole. The wafting stench of alcohol led her to him. He was slumped over a desk with a giant glass bottle of gin, gulping away. She approached him slowly as to not startle him.
"Um…Seamus?" She gently tapped his shoulder and he looked around wobbly like. "Seamus, what are you doing? This isn't like you. What's gotten you like this?"
"I'm…I'm just thirsty (burp). Why….do ya have to be so…so…adult like? Can't I drink? What, are you going to turn me in?"
Hermione sat in the desk next to him. "I know I should…but I'm not going to. Seamus, I'm your friend. I just want to help you…but I can't do that unless you talk to me. We all know you and Dean are ups-"
"Dean and I? Is that still a thing? Could've fooled me!"
"What are you talking about?"
"He doesn't want me. If we were still an item he would make an effort. If someone likes someone else, they show everyone so, and they're not ashamed."
"I'm just not completely following, Seamus…"
"The formal! The bloody dance! He doesn't want to go together!" Seamus threw the glass bottle and it broke against the wall. He clenched his jaw.
Hermione looked down. "I…I'm sorry Seamus. Are you sure? Maybe you should just talk to him about it again."
"He made it quite clear. Almost hit me with a book."
"That just doesn't sound like him."
"It's true." Seamus stood up and began to pace back and forth. "I just don't understand, Hermione. I mean, I was the one afraid of the relationship to begin with. He was the one who wanted it and said he didn't care who knew. He was the one who convinced me to act on my feelings. Why doesn't he just come to the formal with me?"
Hermione thought before she spoke. "I understand your confusion and disappointment, Seamus. I would probably feel the same way. But I can also see why Dean is nervous and being cautious about the whole thing."
"Why?"
"Well, you two being together is a big deal in itself in today's day and age. You must understand that."
"You think I don't!?"
"I'm not saying that. I'm just saying that this is still probably uncomfortable for both of you. And I'm sure Dean does not mean to hurt you. I'd say he wants to go with you just as badly as you want to go with him but there is a big difference between a few of you close friends and a few other housemates knowing and the whole school and all the teachers knowing. I know this is frustrating but you two have to stay united on this and be patient. Wouldn't you say Dean was patient on waiting for you?"
Seamus looked down. "You're right."
Hermione stood up and put her hand on Seamus' shoulder. "I know this isn't ideal, and I know most of it isn't fair for the both of you, but you all will get through this. And you will be able to be fully together someday. It'll just take some time."
Seamus exhaled deeply. "You're always right, Hermione. I'm sorry you had to see me like this."
Hermione hugged him. "Oh it's fine. What are friends for? Now, what's say I help you go find Dean? It's high time you guys at least stopped avoiding each other."
"Alright, let's go."
They headed out the door and down the stairs.
"He should be with Ginny somewhere." Hermione said.
"Ginny?"
"Well, you know us Seamus. Ginny and I had to help you two out. I feel like Ginny would be better at talking sense into Dean than I would." Hermione giggled. "She'd at least be better at scaring him and making him listen."
"You're probably right on that!" Seamus laughed.
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"I just wish he's understand!" Dean was telling Ginny. "I love him…I'm just not quite ready. You'd think he of all people would."
"I'm sure he does, Dean." Ginny said, leaning against the corridor they were in. "He just wants this special opportunity to be with you."
"I know, I know…and I feel awful but, I just can't yet."
"Hey! I have an idea. How about we go together?"
Dean raised his eyebrows at Ginny and laughed in a mocking tone. "Come again?"
"Oh, come on Dean. We both know I no longer have feelings for you. It wouldn't be a date or anything. It would work for both of us. I'd have a date and you'd still be able to go without feeling awkward. And you and Seamus could kind of be together. What do you say?"
"Well… I guess it wouldn't hurt anything. Alright." Dean smirked. "But I guess if we'll be going together I should do it properly."
Ginny rolled her eyes.
Dean took her hand. "Ginny, will you accompany me to the formal?"
"Hmm…well, who could resist." She teased. "Sure, let's go."
"Oh hang on now, I don't want to get your hopes up. I mean, I know how you feel about me." He smirked, being sarcastic.
"Prat." She punched him in the shoulder.
He straightened up. "Seriously though, Gin, thank you for all this. I really appreciate it."
He hugged her tightly.
When he looked up, he saw Seamus and Hermione a ways down the corridor. Seamus' mouth was agape and he had hurt in his eyes. Hermione looked confused. By this time, Ginny turned and saw them both also. Before Dean could say anything, he saw Seamus run off in the opposite direction. He glanced back and forth between Hermione and Ginny and then attempted to run after him. After they were both gone Hermione had made her way to Ginny.
"What in Merlin's name was that?" She screeched.
"What?" Ginny asked, truly confused.
"Ginny, goodness gracious I told you to talk with him, not bloody ask him to the formal!"
"Hermione…it's not like I fancy him. Bloody hell! I thought this would help.
"How could going with him help? Can't you imagine how it made Seamus feel?"
"Blimey, like I said, we're just friends. I can't believe this is even in question. I thought we could go together since Seamus had planned on going with someone. That way they could still be together! Why are you biting my head off? I did what we planned."
"Ginny, it's not what I meant. I know you don't have feelings for Dean and vice versa, but you did at one point. And that history will only make it more awkward for Seamus. I mean geeze, they've already had enough problems. What if Harry were to go to a dance with Cho just as friends? Wouldn't it still make you at least uneasy? Why don't you ever think?"
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Okay…okay. I screwed up. Are you happy? But don't act like you're so perfect."
"I don't act per-"
"Oh please, Hermione. You were the one who wanted to help. If you would've just stayed out of it, this wouldn't even be an issue. They could've solved it on their own. You don't always have to be a control freak."
Hermione's face was emotionless. She simply nodded. "I can see we're not going to agree. Fine. Goodnight." She turned quickly and left.