Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Notice: For all those who have read this story previously to July 20, 2005 should scan over the succeeding chapters after chapter 5. I made a few changes there to accommodate the chapter 5 changes.
Also, to anyone who feels angry with my using Ron as a mean person, I have nothing against him. He is a great character in the books. I just decided to use him this way for my story plot. Thanks.
P.S. I know I need to make my chapters longer but I can never think of enough information. But, because of all my neat reviews, I will try harder.
Chapter 10:
Hermione woke the next morning feeling, if not totally rested, at least able to function.
She had lain awake for a while thinking, wondering, and doubting.
She could hear the other girls rustling around, putting on their robes.
Not one to hang around in bed, she pulled her hangings open and got ready for the day.
When Hermione was ready, she picked up her bag, bulging with books, and went downstairs to the common room.
Looking around, she noticed with relief that Ron was not down yet. He must still be in the boy's dormitories because he never went to breakfast without having Hermione with him.
She went over to a window chair and sat down.
Looking out over the grounds, she drifted into thought.
This is the first day of my last year at Hogwarts. I wish I could enjoy it as much as some of my other years. After this, I won't even have an excuse to be away from Ron. No girl's dormitories to go to, no Head bathroom, no Head workroom, no classes. He'll probably find me a job in the same place as him so he can "keep an eye on me."
Hermione had never really thought about what Ron would do with her after Hogwarts.
She was too caught up in the present. He would not be going his own separate path. She knew that much.
She tried to imagine life with Ron. Nothing pleasant came to mind. Years and years of anger and control, pain and strife, struggling to hang on.
Something stirred inside Hermione. Something hot and bubbling. Something all too often repressed.
Before she knew it, Hermione was angry.
Hermione quickly looked around to see if anyone had noticed. But everyone was going about his or her own business.
Most were going down to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Why should I be angry? Hermione asked herself. Ron loves me. Hermione shoved the anger away and continued looking out the window.
Suddenly a shadow crossed her line of vision. Hermione jumped in surprise, and then looked up. It was Harry.
"Harry!" Hermione said. "You surprised me. Is Ron coming down?"
"Yes, he's right behind me." And so he was.
They all went down to breakfast together. The Great Hall was filled with chattering voices.
Hermione looked up. The ceiling was a lovely blue with scattered clouds mimicking the sky outside.
They all sat down and started helping themselves to porridge and toast.
"Did you finish that essay from Flitwick?" Harry asked Ron.
"No. It's a killer!" Ron replied. "I don't even know where to start. But we can look over Hermione's"
"We can check yours over right Hermione?" Harry asked.
Hermione sighed. She used to frown and say they would never learn. But due to the current circumstances…. "I'll get it during break."
"Thanks." Said Harry. Apparently Ron's mouth was too full to issue thanks.
Just then the owls came flying in over everyone's heads. Feathers scattered over everywhere.
Harry's owl Hedwig flew over and dropped a letter in his lap. He ripped it open and became absorbed immediately.
A handsome looking owl flew over to Hermione nearly knocking over her juice. Ron looked over.
Hermione took the note it was carrying and it flew off back to the owlery.
"Who's it from?" Ron inquired.
"Professor McGonnagall." Hermione said tearing open the envelope. "Must be Head Duties."
A neat, tidy handwriting read:
Miss Granger,
Please meet at my office tonight at 8:00 sharp
to begin your Head Duty of hallway patrol.
Sincerely,
M. McGonnagall, Deputy Headmistress.
Ron was reading it over her shoulder. "How long do you patrol the halls?" Ron asked.
"I'm not sure. A few hours I think." Hermione replied. "You probably will be in bed by the time I get back." Hermione tried not to sound hopeful.
"I'll wait up." Said Ron. "I want to know exactly how long it takes so I know when to expect you back."
"Ok. Well, I have Arithmancy now. I need to get going." Hermione said. Knowing that Ron would come with her all the way to the classroom.
Harry noticed that his friends were getting up.
"Hold up, just let me get my stuff." Harry said.
They left the Great Hall and started up the staircase. On the first floor Ron said that he would take Hermione to Arithmancy and meet up with Harry in Divination.
Ron and Hermione continued down the first floor corridor. They passed the Head workroom Hermione was glad Ron didn't know about it. Yet.
They finally arrived at the Arithmancy classroom and Ron said, as he did some many times that he would be there after the class ended and told her to wait for him.
Ron left. Finally. Hermione wished he wouldn't insist on being with her every minute of every day. Or else demand to know where she was going. It grew very wearisome.
The bell rang and class began.