Chapter 28- We are also friends
A/N: I am very, very sorry for the one month delay. Exams came in the way and delayed the editing process by a few weeks. I will be trying to resume my updates every two weeks or every week depending on how far ahead in the story I get.
Once again, thanks to everyone who has reviewed the stroy, has placed this story on alert or as one of their favourites. All the support is extremely uplifting so thank you!
The next few days unraveled into a somber, catatonic extension of that Sunday night. Ron, not surprisingly, completely ignored the three of them. He instantly gravitated towards Lavender who was absolutely delighted to be able to again suffocate him with her voluptuous body. To Natalie's immense annoyance, she took great pleasure in rebuking Hermione for what great, unknown harm she had caused to Ron. He did not spend meals with them; rather, choosing to eat with Ginny, Dean and Seamus or with Lavender and Parvati. He abandoned his usual place next to them in most of the classes, electing to sit with Lavender and Parvati. Almost everybody in Gryffindor soon knew about the chasm between the three of them and Ron. And by Monday afternoon, the rumors had quickly spread to the entire school including the staff, ghosts and most of the portraits.
Harry and Hermione, though not as visibly devastated as they were on Sunday night, were not handling Ron's defection well. To an outside observer, neither appeared to be lodged in an utterly, depressed state. Hermione continued to participate with tremendous energy in class, her vigorous attitude towards her schoolwork not relenting. Harry's obsession with Malfoy did not waver, for once to Natalie's relief. Likely to distract himself from thinking about Ron, he spent more time scrutinizing the Marauder's Map. His conversations with the rest of his classmates and especially Ginny held the same note of assurance and enthusiasm. And as Quidditch captain, despite one of his team members blatantly treating him with immense contempt, Harry maintained his determination to lead the team and prepare them for their final match of the season.
But Natalie could easily discern the signs that Ron's abandonment very much hurt them even though it was not completely unexpected. Whenever Ron entered the room to sit usually by Lavender or sometimes Seamus and Dean, both Harry and Hermione instantly stared away from each other and from Natalie. Harry's jaw tightened and Hermione's eyebrows scrunched as she quickly channeled her attention onto whatever she had in front of her. At mealtimes, Natalie frequently picked each of them shooting looks of pained regret at Ron. And when the three of them were alone, the wearisome distress finally broke through. The optimism and apparent nonchalance conveyed for most of the day quickly evaporated to be replaced by a brooding silence.
Natalie, herself, was already starting to become very irritated with Ron. She knew he deserved to be angry, but the way he deliberately turned to Lavender was cruel to Hermione and even to Harry who never liked his best mate using another person for support. By that Saturday, after enduring another one of Lavender's haughty expressions, Natalie was beginning to think that maybe Ron needed some prodding in the right direction. Perhaps letting himself come to terms with Natalie's identity would not be the safest solution.
As the three sat in their usual spot by the fireplace in the common room, Natalie turned to Hermione with a hesitant expression on her face.
"What's bothering you?" asked Hermione briskly, touching up on the conclusion of her typically very long Transfiguration essay.
"About-
"Ron, is it?" interrupted Harry forcefully, his eyebrows raised.
"Yes," huffed Natalie, shooting him an annoyed look.
Hermione lifted her head from her essay to stare in exasperation at Natalie. "Natalie, we went over this before. It's only been a week since you told him- we knew he would be like this."
"It's bothering the two of quite a bit," said Natalie pointedly.
"We expected him to be this angry," retorted Harry though he refused to meet Natalie's insistent gaze.
"Yes you did," agreed Natalie. "But the reality of it is different than an imaginary situation the three of us conjured last Sunday night."
Hermione let out a breath of frustration. "Natalie, we just have to give him time."
"Hermione's right," added Harry.
"I know she is," said Natalie tentatively. "But you know, maybe a slight nudge here or there could-
"No," said Hermione firmly.
"Hermione-
"Natalie, please," said Hermione more emphatically, staring directly at Natalie.
Natalie raised her hands in defense. "Can you please allow me to say what I want to say?"
Hermione sighed. "Fine, but I know I'm not going to like it."
Natalie rolled her eyes at Hermione before considering how she would phrase her suggestion. "I don't think Ron will be able handle either one of you approaching him, at least not today. But I'm not nearly as close to him as you two are. Though he probably is disgusted with who I am, he doesn't feel as betrayed by me so he may be a bit calmer with me. Maybe if I just talked to him for a bit and try to make him see that I asked you two to keep the secret and not that you two thought him untrustworthy. And plus it's my secret so anything coming from me, he might be able to take a bit more seriously."
"You think he'll talk to you calmly?" posed Harry, a puzzled expression on his face.
"Well no, of course, if I insist, he may begrudgingly give me a few moments," answered Natalie, twiddling with her thumbs
"Or he may just flip you off," countered Harry.
"Well that's also a possibility," conceded Natalie. "But isn't it worth a shot?
Hermione frowned. "How sure are you that Ron will behave rationally with you? I agree that you're not as close to him but you still did hide your identity from him when the two of you were friends."
Natalie gulped. "That is right so he may not want to talk to me either. But Hermione, the point is I stand a better chance of reasoning with him because it's my secret and furthermore, he doesn't feel that I deceive him as much you two."
"Still, it's only been a week since you told him. That resentment is not going to diminish very much over a week," contended Hermione, still frowning.
"Yes," said Natalie. "But why not try to approach him? There is really no downside besides the fact that he will snap at me which is really no different than the way he's been treating us this week." She saw Harry slowly nod at her, his face dawning in comprehension.
"Natalie does have a point and Ron might listen to her because it's her identity we hid," pointed Harry, a hopeful glint in his eye.
"Still, Natalie, you're being very hopeful and you're risking a rather fierce argument with Ron," said Hermione, her eyebrows scrunching.
"So? I've had more heated arguments with Harry and even Ginny," argued Natalie, looking apologetically at Harry.
Hermione nodded. "Well, yes-
"Why not try it?" interrupted Harry, gazing at Hermione.
"Come on Hermione. If it can help Ron accept me and realize that you guys did not actually betray him, why not consider approaching him?" urged Natalie, looking pleadingly at Hermione.
"You seem awfully enthusiastic about approaching Ron," said Hermione cautiously.
"There's no use being so cynical," retorted Natalie.
"Hermione, it's a decent idea," said Harry, giving Natalie an encouraging smile.
Hermione raised her hands. "Alright! The logic at least sounds good but remember Ron's not in a good mood so-
"Don't be too optimistic," finished Natalie, smiling triumphantly at Hermione.
"When do you want to approach him?" asked Harry.
"Why not now? I'm done most of my homework for the weekend," replied Natalie, having already decided that she would definitely try to find Ron today.
"Now?" asked Harry, a bit bewildered. "I thought maybe after supper would be a good time."
Hermione shook her head at him. "Lavender will definitely catch him at supper and heaven knows what they get up to," said Hermione scathingly.
Harry snorted. "I'm pretty sure I can imagine."
"Anyway, now, I know Lavender and Parvati are upstairs in our dormitory so it actually would be a good time if you wanted to try to talk to Ron," continued Hermione.
Natalie rolled her eyes at Hermione's extra emphasis on "try." "Where is he then?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "He's usually in the common room on Saturday afternoons."
Hermione smiled. "Last year, when the weather got better, he decided to go flying on Saturday afternoon to practice for Quidditich. But that was last year when he was really a nervous wreck until the last match."
Natalie raised her eyebrows at her. "I'm so happy that you know his habits so well."
Hermione's cheeks turned a faint pink while Harry laughed. "Well you can check there," snapped Hermione, averting her eyes from both of them.
Realizing how they could most accurately find Ron, Natalie simply laughed even more.
"What?" asked Hermione irritably.
"Why don't we just use the Marauder's Map?" said Natalie, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
Harry slapped his forehead. "Of course. I'll go get it." He almost ran to his dormitories and after a few moments, returned back to them panting.
"Alright let's see," said Harry as he muttered the proper words to enchant the blank parchment. "Yes, Hermione, you were right- he is at the pitch."
Hermione looked slightly proud of herself. "Well go on Natalie. Just remember if you think he's ready to lose his temper, please back off, not for your sake but more for Ron's."
"Yes mother," said Natalie in a singsong voice as she stood up. Harry chuckled while Hermione glared at her.
"But I agree with Hermione. Be careful," said Harry in a much more solemn tone. "Ron's temper can be something to behold."
"As can your temper," countered Natalie in that same annoying singsong voice. Shaking her head at the indignant expressions on both Harry and Hermione's faces, Natalie bid them farewell and headed out of the Portrait hole.
She was very surprised that both of them agreed with her idea. She agreed with the reasoning behind her suggestion but the way it would play out in reality was not so certain. Feeling rather buoyed at a chance of possibly clarifying Sunday night with Ron, Natalie walked at a fast pace through the school and out the front doors. It was a much cloudier and gloomier looking afternoon than last weekend. A noticeable grey tinge underlined the clouds, giving them a nastily swollen appearance, preventing almost any sunlight from breaking through. Undoubtedly, a spring storm would be occurring sometime soon. The wind was quite strong, pushing and resisting her movement though it was not the viciously biting and howling wind they had endured over the winter. As she made her way to the pitch, her stomach began to squirm and twist in uneasiness. Though she could hold her own in an argument with Ron, the experience would still be very unpleasant.
Reaching the Quiddtich stands and passing through the tunnel to the pitch, Natalie spotted Ron flying high above one of the Keeper hoops. She wondered why he would practice without anybody to throw the Quaffle at him. There really was no sense in practicing so she presumed he was using the flying as a way to tear himself from Lavender and likely to relax and mull over his thoughts. Hopefully, he would be in a slightly more contemplative mood.
Natalie walked to the middle of pitch and waved at Ron. She saw his broom lower slightly as he likely tried to determine who she was. Then a moment or two later, when he probably realized it was her, Ron flew away from Natalie to behind the loop, over the stands. Natalie crossed her arms against her chest, holding her stance. She would not be deterred that easily. Ron continued to circle around the pitch, ignoring Natalie and not bothering even once to look at her.
After about ten minutes, with Natalie still standing in the same position, Ron lowered his broom, zooming towards the exit. Natalie quickly ran to the tunnel leading to the outside of the stadium. As Ron saw her run, he angled his broom more sharply. They both managed to reach the tunnel at the same time.
Ron disembarked from his broomstick, holding it in his hand. He glared at Natalie.
"Why are you here?" said Ron through gritted teeth as he turned around.
"Obviously to talk to you," said Natalie wryly.
Ron abruptly swiveled his head to shoot her another vicious glare. "You don't honestly find this funny, do you?"
"Of course not," replied Natalie, crossing her arms against chest. "You deserve to be absolutely pissed at not being told, but what you said to Harry and Hermione was cruel. There was no need to stomp on their insecurities like that."
"I don't need a lecture, Miss Lestrange," snarled Ron, turning his body to walk out of the tunnel.
Natalie followed him. "I'm alright with you being disgusted by who I am, but Harry and Hermione did not betray you," said Natalie stubbornly.
Ron did not respond as he kept walking. Natalie managed to catch up to him as he reached the end of the tunnel. When she placed her hand on his shoulder, Ron immediately jerked his body away.
"Please do not touch me," said Ron in a low, dangerous growl.
Natalie did not flinch. "Do you honestly want to keep ignoring the rest of us or just snapping at us when we even try to talk to you?"
Ron looked at her, outraged. "This is the first time any one of you has tried to talk to me so no, I haven't snapped at any of you until now. Maybe if my friends showed me more respect, I'd be obliged to give them some attention."
"And I suppose Lavender deserves your full attention now," said Natalie acidly, instantly regretting the comment.
Ron snorted. "Exactly what I expected. Lavender has bloody nothing to do with this," spat Ron, stomping his foot on the ground.
As he turned away, Natalie decided this may be her last shot and she knew what to say. "But I do, don't I Ron?"
Ron let out a hollow laugh. "That's certainly an understatement."
Natalie paused, noticing Ron had not moved even though he had his back to her. She needed to choose her words carefully. "Fine, if you don't want to talk about Harry and Hermione, you still must have questions about what I told you. On Sunday, you were far too angry to really get the full grasp of what I told you."
"I think I got the gist. You're Bellatrix Lestrange's daughter," said Ron sardonically.
"There must be questions, though?" said Natalie calmly. She rationalized that it would be better for Ron and her to talk civilly about her identity if he did not want to discuss Harry and Hermione.
"Don't lure me into that trap," said Ron though Natalie could detect a slightly curious tone in his voice.
Natalie shrugged her shoulders. "I wasn't, honestly," said Natalie innocently. "We don't have to talk about Harry and Hermione at all. We just have to talk and it would be better that we talked more about my mother."
She could see her argument resonate with Ron. His shoulders sagged as he let out a huge breath. After a few moments of seemingly deep contemplation, Ron turned around, a neutral expression on his face.
"Fine," said Ron quietly. "I do have some questions. I'm still pissed at all of you, but I would like –"
"The full picture," said Natalie, giving him a small smile.
Ron nodded. "Let's go over to the stands. The Ravenclaws practice in about half an hour – that should give you enough time to fill me in more."
Natalie nodded. Both of them walked back through the tunnel. Natalie twiddled her thumbs nervously, uncertain about what questions he would ask and a bit elated that she had managed to calm him. Ron, on the other head, walked ahead of Natalie with a stiff, uninviting posture. His body language definitely suggested that he would prefer to keep as far a distance as possible from Natalie.
Natalie sighed. Ron was even more judgmental than Harry so this aversion was completely expected. Still, she could not pretend that it did not hurt when she saw the contempt and disdain for her on Ron's face.
Ron made a sharp turn from the tunnel, sitting down on the closest seat on the right side of the tunnel. Natalie followed, taking a seat two seats away from Ron.
Natalie looked at Ron whose eyes were fixed squarely on the pitch. "So what questions do you have?" asked Natalie, a brisk edge to her voice.
Ron nodded. "A few. You said that Bellatrix knew who you were during that attack on Christmas. Why has she not tried to come to the school or even make an attempt to come after you?"
"Well, Dumbledore said that her behavior prior to the Christmas attack and after was quite wild and reckless. She almost was caught by Aurors numerous times –"
"So, she suspected your identity for some time," noted Ron.
Natalie nodded. "I think so. Anyway, Voldemort obviously was not pleased with her. So, apparently, Dumbledore said he has kept her locked up for most of this term. Had she been free, I daresay she would have tried to get to me." Natalie gave a shudder, remembering the sickening contempt in her mother's eyes that Christmas night. She definitely did not want another encounter like that.
Her uneasiness did not go unnoticed by Ron who briefly flicked his head to look at her with an unreadable expression before his eyes returned to the pitch. "Are Dumbledore and Kalissa the only ones who know as well as –"
"Harry and Hermione," completed Natalie for him.
Ron's eyes darkened. "Yes."
"McGonagall also knows," answered Natalie. When Ron looked at her quizzically, Natalie added, "She is Kalissa's best friend – they went to school together at Hogwarts. I've known her basically for my entire life – she's like a very close aunt to me."
Ron chuckled. "Hard to imagine McGonagall as an aunt."
Natalie smiled at the humour in Ron's voice. Hopefully, he was starting to feel more comfortable with her. "The way you see her, it is difficult to imagine, but with family and friends, she is a completely different person."
Ron nodded. "I suppose. Anyway, getting back, how did Kalissa know to save you?"
"My father, David Claggerton, used to be Kalissa's neighbour. When she saw the fire, she quickly apparated in. Seeing my father dead, she saw me and rushed out of there. Fortunately, my mother had left immediately after the fire," replied Natalie, gulping at how horribly cruel her mother was.
"Who tries to burn a baby alive?" asked Ron, looking up at the skies. Natalie could hear a strong undercurrent of sympathy in his voice.
"Probably only her and Voldemort," said Natalie. She rolled her eyes as Ron again winced.
"You know, you need to learn how to say his name," commented Natalie amusedly.
"When you grow up hearing all those stories about him and seeing your parents unable to say his name, it's almost impossible to try to say that name," replied Ron, his voice devoid of anger. As if he realized his civil tone, he shook his head at himself.
"You do know that Malfoy is your cousin?" said Ron disgustedly.
"As is Tonks," noted Natalie, smiling at him. "And Sirius would have been an uncle. So though I'm pretty ashamed to be a part of that family, there are some good people to take after."
"Tonks is pretty good," agreed Ron. He then turned to her, a curious expression on his face almost as he had been suddenly hit with a revelation. "You aren't that proud to be a member of the Blacks? I mean even though they are pureblood bigots, they are considered a prestigious family."
"Why would I?" said Natalie coolly. "I absolutely loathe everything associated with my mother. And besides that, all that pureblooded nonsense, you must know, I detest. Hermione is one of my best friends after all and Harry, a half blood, is my boyfriend."
Ron nodded as he continued to stare at her. Natalie could tell that he was appraising her, seeing the familiarity to Bellatrix, but also assessing her own words. Though she wanted Ron to realize that she had no desire to be anything like her mother, the thorough examination of her did make her uncomfortable.
After a few very long moments, Ron nodded again as his eyes flickered away from her to focus on the loop. However, his body was still positioned away her.
"Done examining me?" asked Natalie, a playful tone to her voice.
"Yes," said Ron, a small smile on his lips. "You must have thought I was checking you out."
"Not in these circumstances," quipped Natalie, trying to contain her elation at the complete lack of resentment in his voice. If anything, his tone was a bit apologetic.
Ron chuckled. He then closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before opening them and turning to stare Natalie in the eyes. "Alright, I'm not used to this sort of thing, but I'll tell you that I'm still pissed that you never told me before. But thinking about it, this is not the type of thing you tell someone when you're just becoming friends."
"And we only started getting closer after your poisoning," pointed Natalie.
"Yes," agreed Ron as he took another loud breath. His expression became slightly softer as he continued to gaze at her. "And having heard you and knowing you for 7 months now, and as a friend for a month, it would take an idiot to not see that you don't like who your mother is. You're nothing like her by the way. I'm sorry for jumping to those conclusions and treating you like the plague. I, of all people, should know your background doesn't matter at all."
Natalie absolutely beamed at him. He certainly was handling her secret in a much more mature way than she would have ever expected. "Thank you Ron. It really means a lot," said Natalie quietly.
Ron gave her a small smile. "You have no idea how hard it is for me to admit I'm wrong."
Natalie laughed. "I'm probably just as stubborn, so I would know." As she pondered over Ron's words again, a question popped into her mind. "Ron, do you mind if I ask you a question?"
A confused expression crossed Ron's face. "Sure, though what would you want to ask me?"
"Well, you mentioned that you jumped to conclusions about me. What were those conclusions?"
Ron sighed. "Always so curious." He ran a hand nervously through his hair. "You won't like what I'm going to say," cautioned Ron.
"I can handle it," said Natalie defensively.
"Alright. Well, I guess it was because I was so angry at not being told your secret, but when you said you were her daughter, I don't know how to say it, but it just sort of clicked that you wouldn't mind being her daughter – that you didn't feel bad for all those crimes she committed, that because she was your mother, you still felt, er, uh – how do you say it? – obligated to her and also that you were happy to be part of that pure blooded family, the Blacks."
Natalie stared at him in disbelief. "Those are quite big assumptions to make. You do know that I have no obligation to her whatsoever and that I hate her for all those crimes. The first time I stared at Neville at that Opening feast, I felt so bad."
Ron gave a shaky laugh. "Now I see all those signs. And plus, I should have realized you were raised by one of You-know-who's greatest enemies so it would be almost impossible for you to like her."
"Blinded by anger would be the appropriate phrase to describe your state," said Natalie amusedly.
Ron laughed. "So fancy." He then scooted over so that they were sitting side by side.
"I'm not the plague now," asked Natalie, raising her eyebrow. Her spirits were absolutely soaring at how in about ten minutes, Ron had made an apology to her, accepted her identity and now seemed back to his easygoing self. There was still the business of talking about Harry and Hermione; a topic that Natalie did not yet want to pursue. She figured to come to terms with those feelings, Ron would need time.
Ron blushed. "Sorry about that. I'd be pretty pissed if I was in your position."
Natalie waved her wand nonchalantly. "Harry was like that with me for a month so I'm pretty prepared."
"Yeah, I figured that was what your big fight was about," said Ron knowingly.
"I will say that you have handled this much better than he did," said Natalie.
"Am I more mature?" asked Ron, his eyes glittering with mirth.
"I wouldn't go that far with some of the other things you say," replied Natalie, winking at him. She noticed Ron suddenly doubling over with laughter. "Ron, come on, what's so funny?"
Ron was still bent over, his body shaking with laughter. Natalie briefly wandered whether he had lost some sanity. She reached over, placing her arms on his shoulders to stop the shaking. "Ron? Everything alright?" asked Natalie uncertainly.
Ron finally lifted his head to smile at Natalie. "Have you ever – you know – looked at the big picture?"
"The big picture?" answered Natalie quizzically.
Ron nodded enthusiastically at her. "You're Bellatrix Lestrange's daughter, but now also the girlfriend of one, Harry Potter, the 'Chosen One.' I reckon that's a nice little position you have."
Natalie then started laughing loudly, realizing the absurdity of Ron's statement. "It is quite tragic, isn't it?"
"Very. Trouble just likes to find us," said Ron, casting his arm around Natalie as they both continued to giggle like little girls.
"You know, Ron, we really need to spend more time together," said Natalie after they finally stopped laughing. "You have a nice take on everything. I don't think I ever found humour in the fact that my blood mother would like very much to make a grave for my boyfriend."
Ron shrugged his shoulders. "I'm a funny person."
They heard the scuffling noises of many footsteps in the tunnel leading to the pitch. "Looks like we have company," said Ron lazily, glancing at his watch. "Yup, Ravenclaws ready to practice."
The Ravenclaw Quidditch team emerged from the tunnel, fully clad in their Quidditch robes for training. Natalie's eyes were drawn to a pretty Chinese girl with long black hair and a very slim, well defined body. She sullenly recognized her to be Cho Chang, the girl Harry had briefly dated last year.
A stocky, burly boy with long, wavy brown hair made his way to Natalie and Ron. She supposed him to be the Quidditch captain for Ravenclaw.
"Weasley," the boy acknowledged gruffly. "What are you doing here? I specifically booked the pitch for this time."
Ron waved his hand dismissively at the boy. "No need to get in a hissy fit, Mames. We aren't spying on you lot."
"Aren't you Harry Potter's girlfriend?" blurted a younger, black-haired boy who had walked behind the captain.
Natalie gritted her teeth. "Yes." She and Ron stood up to leave. She noticed Chang watching her closely.
"Weasley and you seemed pretty close there," said Mames brazenly.
"Well, that's what friends do. I don't know how it is in Ravenclaw, but a girl and boy can be friends without feeling the urge to snog one another," snapped Natalie, glaring at Mames.
Mames raised his hand, an arrogant smile appearing on his face. "Short fuse there, I see."
"Yes," said Natalie, still glaring. "And Ron and I will leave now."
Ron glanced disdainfully at Mames before he and Natalie quickly walked down the steps, pushing through Mames and the younger black haired boy.
As they traveled through the tunnel, Ron grinned apologetically at Natalie. "Sorry about that – guess the fact that I had my arm around your shoulders gave Mames ideas."
Natalie waved him off. "Can't a boy and girl touch each other without rumors breaking out across the school?"
Ron snickered. "I think dating Harry Potter has something to do with the breaking of rumors," said Ron amicably. They exited the tunnel and headed across the grounds back to the school.
"Unfortunately, it does," agreed Natalie. "I can just imagine Lavender harassing me now because I'm trying to steal her 'Won-won'."
Ron cringed. "Well, yeah, if she does, sorry about it."
Natalie laughed. "Honestly, Ron, sometimes you can be so perceptive and other times, you're just well, just a blind, teenage boy."
"Anyway," continued Natalie, now gazing at Ron. "I see that you've shown more interest in Lavender since Sunday."
Ron's brow furrowed. "Well," stuttered Ron. "I, I just –"
"Wanted to upset Hermione," said Natalie, giving him a small smile.
Ron turned his head from Natalie. "We weren't going to talk about Harry and Hermione," said Ron darkly. "You said so."
"Yes, but can you hear me out? You don't have to listen to me, just let me have my say," said Natalie cautiously, preparing for a snappy retort.
"You really don't give up do you?" asked Ron wearily, his eyes returning to Natalie.
"Of course not. How would I win any argument with Harry?" said Natalie impetuously.
"I suppose so," said Ron, his lips twitching slightly. He gritted his teeth, clenched his teeth and closed his eyes, appearing to undergo a mental struggle as to whether he should let Natalie continue.
His eyes averted from Natalie, Ron unclenched his fists and sighed. "Fine. Have your say, but don't think that I'll listen to you."
Natalie paused, choosing her words though she knew the approach she would take. "I know you're angry with Harry and Hermione, but could you put yourself in their positions? Imagine if I was going out with you and Harry was in your place –"
"What? Why would I go out with you?" spluttered Ron, his face beet red.
Natalie snapped her fingers in annoyance. "Do you want to switch places with Hermione?"
Seeing the ashen look on his face, Natalie continued. "So as I said, picture yourself in Harry's position and I told you this secret, obliging you not to discuss it with anyone else. Even though Harry's your best friend, would you tell him?"
Ron paused in their walk to look strangely at Natalie who had also stopped, watching Ron for his reaction.
"Well, if you put it that way, you'd be my girlfriend," said Ron slowly, his eyebrows scrunched. "And it's your secret so it wouldn't be my business to tell Harry even if I thought he deserved to know."
"Yes,' enunciated Natalie, smiling at Ron. "But you still view Harry as your best mate and would talk to him about anything else."
"Er, yeah, of course," said Ron, still staring oddly at Natalie.
"So it's not that you don't trust Harry, but rather that it's not your secret to tell," said Natalie.
Ron remained silent for a few, very long moments, letting Natalie's words reverberate in his mind. She hoped that this angle would, if anything, make it slightly clearer that neither Harry nor Hermione never thought him to be untrustworthy.
"Alright," said Ron, frowning. "I see what you're saying – so you're the one who didn't trust me."
Natalie had not expected this conclusion. "Well, er, Ron," stammered Natalie, struggling under Ron's expectant gaze. "Yes, fine, I didn't know you well enough to be fully confident that you wouldn't tell anyone else."
Ron's eyes flickered in understanding. "And now you do?"
"Um," answered Natalie, running a hand anxiously through her hair. "I decided to have faith in Hermione and Harry's trust in you and your trust in them. I mean we still do not know each other that well, but I think we've become close enough where I know, because of Harry and Hermione, you won't tell anyone."
"I wouldn't have told anyone anyway," said Ron quietly.
"I'm starting to realize that," said Natalie, a sincere smile breaking out on her face.
"Good," said Ron, giving Natalie a small smile.
Before Ron could resume walking, Natalie raised her hand to stop him. "And do you see why Harry and Hermione actually did not betray you by keeping my secret?"
"You're very determined about this, aren't you?" said Ron irritably.
"Yes I am," said Natalie, crossing her arms across her chest.
Ron shook his head fervently at her. "It's not that simple," answered Ron in frustration.
He looked at Natalie, visibly struggling with what to say. "Ron, you don't have to hide anything from me," said Natalie, raising her eyebrows at him.
Ron considered her for another few, uncomfortable moments before sighing. "Fine," conceded Ron. "I don't want to offend you Natalie, but I've been friends with Harry and Hermione much longer than you have. We've been through practically everything together. Harry's basically my brother and well Hermione, she's –"
"I know," said Natalie, noticing the tinge of red on Ron's ears.
"Um, yeah, so you see," continued Ron. "And don't take this too seriously Natalie, but they've only known for you about 7 to 8 months or so. I may be sounding like a petty little child but it just seems, well, I don't know how to say it – that my friendship with both of them was sort of thrown away because of this new friendship they have with you. I understand why they would want to keep your identity hidden and why it's not their secret to tell. But the fact is that we have always been completely honest with one another and this is the first time they've both hid something very big from me. And the anger and jealousy – it's just there. I know I shouldn't be this angry and I shouldn't be jealous at all, but there's no way I can completely reason with myself so that those feelings just go away."
Natalie wrapped her arm around Ron. She smiled gratefully at him. "Thanks for being so honest," said Natalie. "As for your anger, I'm pretty sure it will go away with time."
"I figured that's how it would work – that's how it was with Hermione too," said Ron grimly. He turned his head to Natalie to look anxiously at her. "Natalie, I really didn't mean to say that you don't deserve to be close to Harry and Hermione. I just, er, wanted to –"
"Make sure I knew your feelings," finished Natalie.
Ron nodded. "Yeah, that's how you say it."
Natalie squeezed his shoulders. "Thanks again. I appreciate it Ron," whispered Natalie.
Ron was looking at her in slight confusion. "You're not angry with me?"
Natalie released Ron from their half hug. She grinned at him. "Why would I be? All that anger and jealousy is completely justified – you just need time and everything won't be as strong."
"You know, Ron," continued Natalie, still grinning at him. "You're much more sensitive and mature than you seem."
"It's the Weasley charm," said Ron, returning her cheeky grin, all of the previous anxiety quickly dissipating.
Natalie stroked her chin in mock thought. "You know, maybe if you let Hermione see this side of you, it might do wonders for the two of you."
"I imagine she's pretty pissed with me," said Ron morosely. Natalie could detect a noticeable undercurrent of fear in his voice.
"Nah," said Natalie as confidently as she could. "She understands and she doesn't blame you."
"But Lavender –"
"She would forgive you for that," assured Natalie.
"You think? I mean she really does not like Lavender," said Ron sullenly.
"Oh come on Ron. Do you honestly think that she believes your sudden interest in Lavender this week has nothing to do with what you learned on Sunday evening?"
A slight trace of hope crept into the dreary somberness on Ron's face. "Yeah, I suppose you're right about that, but she must be angry."
"She's been angrier this year," said Natalie emphatically.
"Right about that too," said Ron sheepishly.
"You two will get through this. Trust me. Harry and I were able to resolve our fight about my identity and we weren't friends for a fraction of the time you and Hermione have been."
"Yes. If you put it that way, then all we need is just time for me to become calmer," said Ron thoughtfully. "I still don't think I'll be able to talk to either Hermione or Harry without being pissed."
"I wouldn't expect you to."
"But I'll try not to spend as much time with Lavender," said Ron, his tone hardening.
"That would be very smart," noted Natalie. An idea came to her though she did not how to suggest it to Ron without seeming a bit controlling. "Maybe you know, you and I are pretty comfortable with one another so perhaps, you could –"
"Spend more time with you instead of Lavender," said Ron, waggling his eyebrows playfully. "Do you really want the rumors to spread like wildfire?"
Natalie snorted. "Honestly, I don't care what those idiotic fangirls gossip about."
"So you don't care about yourself?" asked Ron.
"Oh shut up Ron," scowled Natalie though she could barely restrain herself from smiling. "You know what I was saying."
"You are a pretty good chess player and you could help me with my homework," said Ron, rubbing his chin in feigned contemplation.
"Ron," warned Natalie, punching his arm.
"Fine, fine, calm down. My goodness, little ball of fire you are," said Ron defensively. "You would make a good substitute for Lavender- as well as she snogs, the smothering just gets on my nerves."
"That actually rhymed," said Natalie.
"Now, who's the one not being serious?" said Ron, rolling his eyes in a perfect imitation of Hermione.
"Alright, so sounds good? I gather by the way we're joking around with each other, you aren't too pissed with me."
"No, I'm not actually – isn't that a bit surprising?" asked Ron with a goofy grin.
"Yeah it is," said Natalie, astonished at the fact that Ron did not bear any resentment towards her.
Ron laughed. "I mean you're Bellatrix Lestrange's daughter and you never told me the entire year about that. Yet I have no problem with you keeping that secret."
"Could you say it any louder?" Natalie looked around nervously, noticing in relief that no students were anywhere near them. The closest person appeared to be Hagrid, who judging by the smoke coming from his hut, was having supper.
"Sorry about that," said Ron apologetically. "But don't you find it pretty funny that I'm not angry with you?"
Natalie nodded. "Not funny as more amazed. I mean I guess you know that we weren't close enough for me not telling you to feel like a betrayal of trust."
"Always so eloquent," repeated Ron.
Natalie rolled her eyes. "You should try it, sometimes."
"I thought you said I was 'much more sensitive and mature than I seem'," said Ron playfully.
"Yes, I did and I meant it," answered Natalie, nudging him in the ribs. "Shall we go back to the castle? I'm almost expecting the rain to just burst through and soak us at any minute."
Ron nodded, resuming his walk with a noticeable bounce in his step. Natalie followed, smiling to herself. She could not believe how successful this supposedly half hearted attempt to speak to Ron was.
What do you think?
I wanted to develop the Natalie/Ron friendship for some time and this offered the perfect moment.
I have to admit that this was probably the most enjoyable chapter for me to write.
There's a dynamic to the Natalie/Ron friendship that none of the other friendships and relationships have.
By the way, the story will continue to have Natalie/Harry as the main ship; there will be no Ron/Natalie and no Harry/Hermione (despite this being my favourite canon ship). I wanted to make this clear since the Natalie/Ron interaction in this chapter and my own sentiments about Harry/Hermione may give readers the wrong ideas about my intentions. Natalie/Harry is the relationship that I've envisioned and wanted to make as realistic as possible since I started the story.
And to finish this rambling note, as you can tell by this chapter, my interpretation of Ron is not as harsh as most other fanfics but I think it is completely within the character JKR gives us in canon. Do you guys like this interpretation (or not)?