Chapter 17
"I Don't Know if I Should Stay"
_FUCKING TRUTH_
Live from the "Save Hogwarts Tournament"
"There neck and neck Aidan Lynch and the seeker of the Falmouth Falcons are racing towards the ground for the snitch… there going to crash… Their flying side-by-side trying to knock each other off their brooms, they're coming closer and closer to the ground and neither one show any sign of pulling out! CRACK!They slammed into the ground. OH! That's gotta hurt… wait, they're not moving… the Healers are rushing unto the field! One of the Healers if prying Aidan's hand open... HELL YEAH! Aidan Lynch caught the snitch and the Kenmare Krestals will move on to the next round of the tournament… if we can get Aidan repaired by the time half- time is over!"
"It really has been non-stop action here and it's only half why over, we've already had a great win by the Appleby Arrows when two players switched brooms, Oliver Wood, Gryffindor alum, lead a spectacular Hawkshead attack on the Tutshill Tornados, Alice Greenby of the Holyhead Harpies with excellent precision stood on her broom and knocked the bludger clear across the pitch! And two players just slammed into the ground, it's only going to get better! Brutal game but great fun, after the halftime show the Kenmare Krestals will play the Wigtown Wanders! I am sitting here with Dennis Creevey a fifth year at Hogwarts, what house are you?"
"Gryffindor!"
"Greatest house on the planet, just for that, Dennis here, will be getting complementary Weasley's Wildfire Whiz-bangs the basic blaze box. Which can also be purchased in the Deflagration Box from Weasley Wizarding Wheezes, Dennis will you please do the honor of introducing our first performers…?"
"Sure! It's my favorite band "The Bent Broomsticks"! Were broadcasting live from the Save Hogwarts Tournament and this is The Fucking Truth!"
Lee laughed, "I swear I can see McGonagall scowling clear across the stadium!"
Harry paced up and down the entry ramp to the south side of the Quidditch pitch, twirling his wand around in his hand. He bobbed his head as he heard "The Bent Broomsticks" begin to play. He was upset that he was missing the game. Every time Lee got excited he was tempted to abandon his post and rush in to see what was going on. But he stayed out telling himself it was his own fault for signing up to become an Auror. He didn't even get to move. He stood in the same spot all day and there were still hours left. Every now and then another trainee would walk past patrolling the grounds. Not that he didn't have any amusement, he an Angelina had been passing notes back and forth via paper airplanes from her post on the west side.
He didn't miss everything from his position. At the start of the game he saw the house teams fly into the pitch. What caught his eye in particular was the flaming red hair of Ginny Weasley carrying the flag of Gryffindor house leading, the Gryffindor's onto the field. He was hoping he would get to see her today but since he now had to work he knew that wasn't going to happen. He turned around when someone tapped him on the shoulder…
"Ginny," he beamed as he hugged her.
(***)
"Let me borrow your binoculars," Ron said pulling on Seamus' Binoculars that were still around his neck.
"At least let me take them off first," he said removing Ron's hand to take them from around his neck, "you don't even need them from where we're sitting."
"They're not for the game there to get a good view of Hermione," he said peering through them.
"Still haven't talked to her?" Seamus smirked
"Shut up," Ron said getting a clear view of Hermione on the other side of the field. She was sitting next to Padma in engrossed in conversation. Her brown curls blowing lightly in the wind. She turned to her left as someone sat next to her. Malfoy and Goyle came and sat next to Hermione and Padma carrying concessions. They passed food and drinks down to them. "She's with Malfoy and Goyle!"
"What?" Seamus was surprised
"They're just friends, calm down Ron," Parvati said from the opposite side of Seamus.
"Friends with the amazing bouncing ferret!"
"Relax Padma guaranteed me they weren't being brainwashed or anything," Parvati assured him.
Ron continued to look through the binoculars. He could see Malfoy's lips moving and then the other three burst out laughing. They began to laugh even harder when Padma's drink came out of her nose. "They're laughing… how can this be!"
"Ron if you really want to know what's going on or if you really wanted to sort things out with Hermione you should just go talk to her," Lavender reached across Parvati and Seamus and yanked the binoculars away from Ron. "Because sitting driving us all crazy while we're trying to enjoy the sounds of The Bent Broomstick is driving me mad!"
Ron crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat and pouted, Seamus patted him comfortingly on his shoulder, while he and Parvati tried to stifle their laughter.
(***)
"Don't you ever make me laugh like that again," Padma said magically drying her clothes that were covered in juice.
"It was Draco, none of us really thought he had it in him," Hermione giggled.
"You do know I am sitting right here," Malfoy tried to sound hurt.
"I would have never thought of you as one to tell a joke," Padma said successfully drying herself off.
"He told jokes all the time in Slytherin, which usually started with a Mudblood, Troll, and a Centaur walked into a pub…" began Goyle
"Alright change in subject," Malfoy interjected, "I'd like to point out that we have an audience."
"What are you talking about," asked Hermione confused
"Weasel is spying on us through binoculars… oh, wait lavender just took them away," everyone looked across the stadium to see Lavender scolding Ron and Parvati and Seamus trying hard not to laugh.
"Lavender's little scolding bit reminds me of you Granger…. Perhaps your place is already taken," smirked Draco.
She snorted, "By the girl he used for lip locking practice, I think not!"
"Someone's full of themselves," Padma said looking anywhere but at Hermione to avoid the glare she knew she was giving her.
"I am not full of myself I know Ron," she defended, "he can be irritating on his best days anyone would want to reprimand him!"
"Maybe I should hex him for always leaving his wet towels on the bathroom floor," mused Draco.
ONE MONTH LATER
_MINISTRY OF MAGIC_
Hermione and Padma were on the lift at the Ministry going down to the atrium so they could go out for lunch. As the lift door opened and they were getting ready to leave, Viktor Krum was getting ready to get on.
"Hermione" He said happily
"Hi, how are you," she gave him a hug, "what are you doing here?"
"I'm doing really well, I have a meeting in the department of games and sports something about promoting cultural unity, they want me and Moran to shoot an ad campaign," he beamed at her.
"That's wonderful! It's really good to see you."
"You too, we should have dinner and catch up a bit," he asked hopefully.
"I don't know…" Padma elbowed her, "sure why not."
"I'm only here for the day, can you go tonight," he asked pressing the button for another lift.
"Yes, seven"
"Perfect, I'll see you later," he kissed her hand and got onto the lift.
"Hermione's got a date with Viktor," Padma smiled.
"It's not a date, just old friends eating," they walked over to the floo network.
"Whatever you say, but you should take the time to enjoy it," they stepped into a fireplace and flooed to the Leaky Cauldron.
"Why wouldn't I," they sat down at a table.
"Because of a red haired boy named Ron who you are clinging to," said Padma flipping through a menu.
"I'm not clinging," Hermione answered defensively.
"Yes you are. You haven't spoken to him in months because you are pissed that he wasn't there for you when you needed him! The way I see it your already broken up and you can't get the guts to inform Ron, and to make matters worse he hasn't even tried to contact you," Padma took a deep breath and closed her menu and looked up a Hermione, "It's completely understandable why it would be hard for you to let Ron go, you have a history but you can't hold onto the past."
Hermione leaned back in her chair, "I love him."
"I know… but sometimes you just need to walk away and if it's right it'll come back to you."
_RON AND DRACO'S FLAT_
Later that Night
Draco was sitting on the couch dosing off over the Daily Prophet, a door slammed and he sat up. Ron came into the living room and sat in the chair across from Draco.
"How's Hermione?" He asked
"How would I know?" Answered Draco raising an eyebrow
"I know you've seen her"
"I haven't seen her in a while," Draco shifted uneasily on the couch.
"You've seen her more then I have, how is she," Ron asked heatedly.
"She likes her job, seems to be having fun hanging with Padma…" Draco paused he thought about if should inform Ron about how she was feeling about him, Draco smirked, "She's upset with you, which I'm sure you already know since she is not talking to you."
Ron lowered his head, "What am I going to do, I have probably lost her forever."
"Try talking to her," Draco stood up and stretched.
"She probably doesn't want to see me," He slouched back in his chair.
Draco went into his room, "You'd be surprised how many girls say that but then when you don't go see them they are even more pissed," he shouted from his room.
"Not Hermione, when she says stay away she means it," Ron shouted back.
"Except she never told you to stay away," Draco came back into the living room fixing his tie.
Ron turned around to look at him, "another hot date or fucking Pansy"
Draco smirked, "nope having dinner with my mother."
There was a knock on the door and Draco went to answer it…
"Good evening," he said politely
"Hello," said Mrs. Weasley smiling politely "is Ron here?"
"Yes," He moved aside to let her in, "I was just leaving," he closed the door behind him as he left.
"Hi mum," Ron said getting up to hug his mother.
"He's a lot politer then I would have imagined… How are you dear? I brought you pig's cage, some more clothes, and your Chudley Cannon blanket and posters."
Ron smiled at his mother, "Thank you, now Pig can stop bouncing about my room so much" he said taking the stuff from her and placing it down. "Have a seat, what's up," they both sat down.
"Nothing just came by to say hello and see how you're doing?"
"I'm just fine," he answered.
"Is Draco treating you okay? Why was he dressed up? Does he have another court date?" Mrs. Weasley quickly asked worriedly.
Ron chuckled, "its fine mum, he is just having dinner with his mother."
Mrs. Weasley threw one of the throw pillows at her son, "he can make arrangements to see his Mother and you can't even write me a letter!"
_DIAGON ALLEY_
Viktor and Hermione walked down the main street of Diagon Alley talking and laughing to the restaurant, "Bewitched," a highly expensive elegant place. When they reached the door and the doorman opened it and bowed.
"Thank you," said Hermione politely.
There was soft music playing and the restaurant was dimly lit. A tall skinny pale women with long black hair was standing at the hostess table, she looked up and smiled at the two.
"Good evening Mr. Krum, table for two?" She asked grabbing a couple of menus.
"Yes," they followed her through the crowded restaurant. She stopped at a table with two high back comfy chairs in the middle of the room. Viktor pulled out Hermione's chair and then sat in his own.
The hostess placed down the menus, "your waiter will be right with you, enjoy."
"Thank You," they both said.
"So you like working in the house elf relocation office," Viktor asked.
"Yes, I can fight for their rights there and make sure that if they have to be someone's slave they can be with a family that will treat them decently," said Hermione passionately.
Viktor smiled, "you're something else."
Hermione blushed, "No I'm not, and you're the world famous Quidditch star."
"I chase a small ball around on a broom, don't get me wrong it's fun and I absolutely love it but I'm not fighting for the civil rights of a living creature. Now that is what should get remembered not how fast I caught the snitch," Viktor pointed out.
The waiter came over and took their orders…
"Unfortunately most people don't think house elves are a worry cause, but lately I've been thinking that I should get into law so I can fight for equality for all," she said taking a sip of her wine.
"You'll be happy to know I don't have a house elf and you can fight for justice for me anytime," Hermione laughed, "are still with that Ron guy?"
Hermione looked at her hands, way to change the subject, "not really, I haven't talked to him in a couple months… But what about you are you seeing anyone special?" She didn't want to talk about Ron.
"Yes actually, her names Monica, she's absolutely wonderful," Viktor blushed as he said this.
"Aw! That's so sweet you're turning red," giggled Hermione.
"No it's not, that's such a girl reaction" he cover his cheeks with his hands
"No it's not, you just really like her."
Viktor gave a small chuckle, "I actually think I may love her."
Hermione grinned, "Viktor you just broke the hearts of millions of girls."
Viktor started laughing. They continued talking about their lives and all the new music and books they were into. Hermione never understood why people thought Viktor was dumb. He was the only other person she knew that read "Hogwarts a History" and he didn't even go to the school. He also said he would get her some tickets to one of his matches.
Leaving the restaurant, they were followed by reporters asking about their rekindled romance and what was next for the couple, Viktor grabbed Hermione's hand apparated them out of the crowd to her house.
"Sorry about that," Viktor apologized letting go of her hand.
"It's okay it's the price I must pay for being friends with the best seeker in the world," Hermione drew a circle in the air with her hands, "Monica won't be upset if she sees any of the photos published will she," asked Hermione concerned.
"No, she's not the jealous type," he answered smiling to himself as he thought about her.
"Good, thank you for dinner," she kissed him on the cheek, "It was really good to see you."
"You too, good night," he turned and walked to the end of the path while Hermione walked up the porch stairs.
"Viktor," Hermione called. He turned around, "keep in touch"
He smiled, "I will" he turned on his heel and he was gone.
_THE FUCKING TRUTH_
WAKE UP LONDON! Its 7am a month until Christmas and the death eater trials are over! Apparently Rabastan Lestrange and Rodolphus Lestrange never showed up when summoned to the Ministry for trial. After the war all Death Eaters had trackers put on them so they couldn't leave Britain. The Lestrange's were located in the hills in Ireland, they transformed themselves into rocks, the Auror John Dawlish sat on Rabastan who apparently had to use the loo and once Dawlish sat down he couldn't hold it any longer! I know that this is a serious matter but that is absolutely hilarious… Lee laughed, Kingsley didn't even give them a trial after they skipped their court dates he said they didn't deserve a chance to defend themselves and he had them thrown straight into Azkaban! This news was announced by Percy Weasley Senior Undersecretary last night. Good move Minister!
There is a photo of Neville Longbottom, the Herbologist for the Quibbler, wrestling down some huge man eating plant on the cover of this week's issue. Way to go Longbottom, show that plant who's boss!
Hermione Granger was seen leaving "Bewitched" last night with Viktor Krum… he raised his eyebrows up and down, what's going on there I wonder, here's "Sinister" By "Cornwall and Idiot" this is The Fucking Truth.
Ginny turned off the wireless and left her room in Gryffindor tower, she crossed through the common room and went out of the portrait hole, she had to take the long way to the Great Hall since the building was still under construction, there were witches and wizards everywhere who were part of the construction team repairing the building with the new funds. She waved as she passed Percy in a hard hat, holding blue prints, and giving orders. When she finally got to the Great Hall she went over to the Gryffindor table and sat with some friends.
"Morning" she said grabbing a piece of toast.
"Morning" they replied back.
The owls came swooping into the Great Hall with the post, a dark brown barn owl swooped over Ginny and dropped an envelope in front of her, she knew it wasn't from her parents because they would have sent Errol and that owl was from the post office. She turned over the envelope and smiled when she saw Harry's writing, she opened the envelope and pulled out the letter…
Ginny,
Keep me close to your heart.
Love Harry
Ginny smiled at the sentiment but had no idea what he was talking about. She started to ball up the envelope but stopped when she felt something hard. She smoothed out the envelope and looked inside, her eyes widened. There was a white gold princess cut solitaire diamond engagement ring sparkling on a white gold chain. Her smile turned into a huge grin.
"What is it?" Asked one of her friends
"Oh, nothing," she smiled and tucked the envelope into her robe pocket, "let's go to class."
_RON AND DRACO'S FLAT_
Ron spit his pumpkin juice across the kitchen when he unrolled the Daily Prophet. On the cover was Hermione holding hands with Viktor Krum leaving Bewitched.
"That's disgusting," Draco scrunched up his nose. He was sitting at the counter (living room side) eating cereal. "You better clean that up."
"SHE'S CHEATING ON ME!"
"With Viktor Krum," Draco snorted, "Yeah right."
"How did you know she went out with Krum? Have you already seen the paper," Ron demanded angrily.
"I was at Bewitched last night with my mother, if it wasn't for them we wouldn't have been able to dodge the press," replied Draco simply.
"I am so glad my pain and suffering could be of service to you!" said Ron sarcastically.
"Me too, I told you to talk to her," Draco shook his head in shame and continued to eat his cereal.
"I plan to," There was a knock at the door, "after this little stunt we have to get a few things straight…" he opened the door.
"Hello Ronald," Hermione stood in the doorway with her arms crossed, "May I come in?" Ron shook his head yes and stepped aside, "we need to talk," she said sternly walking into the living room area.
Draco picked up his bowl of cereal and quickly exited the room. He didn't want to get in the way of a missed fired hex.
"Yes we do, let's start with Vickie," he held up the Prophet.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Let's not, I have to be at work by nine."
"Why not, you want to skip over the whole you cheating on me thing!" his voice was rising and he could feel himself getting madder by the second.
Hermione chuckled, "I haven't spoken to you since October does it really count as cheating?"
"There were no words spoken about an ended relationship and you went out on a date with BLOODY FUCKING VIKTOR KRUM!" That was it, he was more than pissed, and the shouting match had begun.
She shook her head and looked up at the ceiling, "you don't get it!"
"I DON'T GET WHAT? I KNOW YOUR PISSED I DIDN'T GO WITH YOU TO GET YOUR PARENTS!"
"WHAT AM I, FIVE? I've gotten over that long ago, the problem is whenever you needed space I backed off, when you needed me I came running," she took a deep breath, "and the one time I needed you and you weren't there!" Ron looked down, She could feel herself getting ready to cry but she wouldn't let herself do it, "you don't know how long I've been in love with you," Ron looked up into her eyes, "that's what makes this so hard…"
He stepped forward and tried to take her hand, she stepped back out of his reach, "Were through Ron!" She quickly walked to the door and slammed it behind her.
Ron was still staring straight ahead with the hand he tried to touch her with still suspended in air. He couldn't believe it…. as fast as it had begun it was over.
_MINISTRY OF MAGIC_
"Level four, Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures," Hermione didn't get off the lift she was still holding in her tears, she was hurt but at the same time angry and somewhat relieved.
"Level two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement," Hermione stepped off the lift and hastened to the Auror Training Office, there was a boy sitting at a desk in the center of the room.
"Is Harry Potter in?" she asked impatiently.
"Yes, you'll have to…" All Hermione needed to hear was yes, she walked in through the IN door, "you can't go in there!" She turned and glared at the boy and he returned to his seat.
She stormed down the hall asking people if they had seen Harry, "He's in the Break Room," someone answered.
Hermione found the door that said Coffee and went inside there were a few people scattered about and at a table in the corner Harry was sitting across from Angelina, Hermione slammed the door, everyone looked up, and Harry immediately stood and ran over to her.
"What's wrong?" He asked worriedly. Hermione looked up at him and started shaking, she couldn't hold it any more the tears began to flow she flung herself at Harry. He held her tight, "what's happening?"
"It's over," she whispered.
Harry knew exactly what she was talking about, he knew she wasn't talking to Ron and Ron never had the guts to talk to her, he knew it was only a matter of time, "it'll be okay."
"I know," she pulled away, "it's just... I love him and I always will. Although he's never told me I know he loves me too. But I can't be in the relationship by myself and sometimes that's how it feels, it makes me think that the way I feel about him is a lie."
"It's not a lie," Harry told her comfortingly. "It's just hard."
_THE FUCKING TRUTH_
One Week Later
That was "The Trolls" with their new single "Jinx Me Hard", it's 8pm and it's the weekend and as usual I am ready to party! So I think I will. All you know whose, meet me you know where, at you know when. Tonight you can have your own party too and I will supply the tunes because I will be playing all your favorite artist all night long, by popular demand, here's "My Hairy Feet Don't Smell" with "You Scared Me" on The Fucking Truth!
_LEAKY CAULDRON_
Hermione, Padma, Draco, and Goyle sat at a table in the corner. The Fucking Truth was playing in the pub.
"Very subtle Lee," commented Draco.
"Well at least we know tonight we drink!" smiled Goyle taking a bite of his food.
They all laughed, "My Hairy Feet Don't Smell is really good," Padma bobbed her head to the music "I wonder when they're going to tour."
"You could probably ask Lee, he's obsessed he plays this song every hour," suggested Draco.
"Do you guys want to do something before our night of drunkenness or just meet up later," asked Padma.
"I don't know if I'm going," said Hermione playing with her food.
"Why not, because of Ron" Padma rolled her eyes, "he'll be fine and so will you, you can't stop living just because he is acting like a baby!"
"It has nothing to do with Ron, I just don't feel like going out," said Hermione staring at her plate.
"You're the one who said that being away from Ron allows you to just be you and sitting at home on a Friday night is not being you," Padma encouraged Hermione
"I guess I should go…"
"Of course you should go. Everyone knows it's not a party without Granger and her boring white wine. Although staying home on a Friday night is more your style" smirked Draco, Hermione kicked him under the table "Ow! I was only joking."
"But he's right," said Padma, "so perhaps a new you."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "can we stop."
"Yes can we? Because I don't want to sit here and listen to Granger and Weasel's problems, let's go do something" Goyle said irritated by the subject.
"You know what? You guys do something, I'll meet you later," said Padma tossing some money on the table and standing up.
"It was your idea to go out," Hermione said looking at her strangely.
"I know but I just thought about someone who may like to accompany me to our little shindig," she smiled mischievously.
"Who" Questioned Hermione
"Someone who will appreciate the night out in a deserted place," she answered pulling on her coat, "Aidan Lynch."
"You're dating Aidan Lynch," Draco raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't he a bit old for you," Hermione asked concerned.
"We haven't really defined the relationship yet and he's only twenty seven... I'll see you guys in a few hours," she walked to the back door to go into Diagon Alley.
_THE DIRTY BOOT_
Harry arrived at the Dirty Boot at 12:30am for a night of fun and drunken debauchery. He opened the door and as usual Lee and George were on the dance floor with Lavender and Parvati. The place was deserted like always and it had the life of a packed house. Harry began to walk over to the bar when he stopped in his tracks and went over to the table where everyone was sitting…
"Hi Harry," beamed Padma she was sitting on Aidan's lap.
"Your Aidan Lynch," Harry smiled.
"Very perceptive Potter," Draco leaned back in his chair and had a sip of his drink.
"Yes I am and you're Harry Potter," said Aidan shaking Harry's hand, "It's nice to meet you." Aidan was about six feet tall and muscular. He had light green eyes and dirty blonde hair that had a bit of a curl to it. It was messy and look as if his idea of combing it was running his hand threw it but it worked for him and women found him attractive. He was wearing a long sleeve thermal T-Shirt, worn in expensive looking jeans, and flip flops. Harry thought he looked like a surfer lost in winter.
"You too," said Harry shaking his hand back, "I'm a huge fan."
Aidan smiled, "I hear you're a pretty descent Quidditch player yourself."
Padma rolled her eyes and hopped off Aidan's lap. She grabbed her drink and Hermione and headed for the dance floor.
"I'm okay."
"I hope you don't mind me crashing your party, Padma thought I might enjoy a night out without being followed," explained Aidan.
"Not at all, we come here for that reason," Harry took a seat.
_DIAGON ALLEY_
Ron and Seamus were walking up the main street of Diagon Alley.
"Just get a couple of drinks in you and you'll stop thinking about Hermione," instructed Seamus as they turned down the side street towards The Dirty Boot.
"I don't think any amount of alcohol will ever stop me from thinking of Hermione," Ron pouted as he dragged himself along.
"Come on man, cheer up, its Hermione were talking about. Everyone knows you two will end up together," Seamus pulled the door to the pub open.
Ron saw Hermione smiling and laughing on the dance floor, he immediately went to the bar and started drinking hoping Seamus was right, "three firewhisky's please."
The bartender looked a Ron strangely as he gave him the whisky. Ron opened one bottle at once and started chugging. He grabbed the other two and headed for the table.
"Thanks for getting me a drink," said Harry reaching for one of the firewhisky's.
Ron swatted his hand away, "get your own," he started on the next bottle.
Everyone stared at Ron as he chugged down a firewhisky, he slammed the bottle down on the table, he watched Hermione dancing and having fun, she doesn't even care that I am over here suffering, Hermione waved as Angelina and Katie came in and headed straight over to the dance floor to join them. Look at her wiggling about trying to drive me crazy, this is all part of her master plan to destroy me… who am I kidding, she's perfect and would never do that, I was such a jerk. Ron started on his third whisky.
"Where's Neville?" Asked Dean, "I haven't seen him in a bit"
"In Tibet, looking for a primply prickle shrub," answered Harry, "I spoke to him a couple of days ago."
"Poor Neville, Xenophilius, has got him going on these wild goose chases for these crazy plants," Dean shook his head and took a sip of his drink.
"I don't think it's so crazy," everyone looked down the table at Aidan, "He has actually found most of those plants the Quibbler go's on about."
"You read the Quibbler," asked Seamus shocked
"Yeah, I believe in an open mind," he answered simply
"Neville really loves the job," informed Harry
"Yeah he really loves being able to move out of his grandmother's house," interjected George coming over to the table to get his drink, "He rents a room at the Leaky Cauldron when he's not abroad."
"You should know, all the time you spend at the Leaky Cauldron," said Ron getting up tipsily to get another drink.
"Tom's a great laugh… you should go have a chat with him maybe you'll lighten up," George and his drink boogied back on to the dance floor.
Ron walked crookedly over to the bar.
"My brother is getting wasted over you," George whispered in Hermione's ear while dancing.
"It's not my fault if he doesn't know how to handle himself…" Everyone stopped dancing and turned to look towards the bar, Ron had grabbed William the bartender by his collar.
"I AM NOT GOING TO SELL YOU ANY MORE WHISKY!" He shouted
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M GOING THROUGH!" Ron shouted, "I'M NOT EVEN DRUNK!"
"I understand more than you think, and you getting drunk won't help!" He yanked Ron's hands off him.
Ron slowly backed away. He turned around and noticed everyone staring at him. He locked eyes with Hermione and she looked as if she was going to cry. She shook her head in shame and ran from the pub. Draco grabbed her coat and immediately went after her.
"Hermione," Ron attempted to go after her but Harry stopped him
"I wouldn't."
(***)
When Draco was outside of the "Dirty Boot", he looked around for Hermione and he didn't see her. He hurried up the road to the main street of Diagon Alley. He saw her walking up the street towards the Leaky Cauldron. He jogged to catch up with her…
"Granger," he called.
She stopped walking and looked at him, "I really don't want to be bothered right now." He held out her coat so she could put it on, "thank you" she pulled it on.
She stared at him and he stared at her, she started walking again and he just walked quietly along with her.
(***)
"Of course you wouldn't" Ron pulled away from Harry, "it's not as if you ever had to work to get the girls affections you just had to wake up and realize they were already in front of you," Ron huffed pulling on his coat.
"Like Hermione hasn't been in front of you all this time," argued Harry
"Yes just far enough out of reach that I could never fully have her…."
"What?" Harry questioned
"I have to go," is all Ron said before he hurried out of the pub.
Ron hurried up the road towards to the main street, he looked around and Hermione was nowhere to be seen, he hurried up the street and through the Leaky Cauldron and apparated to Hermione's house.
(***)
"Ron! What a pleasant surprise, although it is a bit late," said Mr. Granger when he opened the front door at the sound of the knock.
"I know, I'm terribly sorry for the intrusion but is Hermione here," asked Ron
"No, I thought she was out with you," Mr. Granger wondered
"She was but she left early and I wanted to check on her," Ron left out the part about his outburst and her tears and leaving in a haste to avoid anymore embarrassment he could inflict on her.
"Oh well I'm sure she'll be back any minute," Mr. Granger stepped aside to let Ron in, "you can sit and wait if you like."
"Thank you"
Hermione ditched Draco at the street exit of the Leaky Cauldron. She climbed into a cab and took the long very expensive ride home. She didn't care she just wanted time to think about things but one look at the meter before she climbed out in front of her house made her think that thinking was the most stupid thing she could have done.
She slowly walked up the front path and up the stairs to the porch. She unlocked the front door and went inside. She pushed the door closed and rested her head against it. She sighed and pushed off the door and began to take her coat off, "Ron!" Hermione said surprised to see Ron standing in her living room.
"Hermione…."
"What are you doing here? It's late you should go"
"I just wanted to apologize," Ron began walking around the couch and joining her in the entry way.
"There's no need, I know you're sorry. Please just go now," she hung her coat on the hook.
"Hermione I just need you to know that I would never intentionally hurt you. I know that my actions are far from commendable but I am truly sorry," he stressed
"Ron," Hermione took a deep breath, "I know that you're sorry about everything that happened. I also know that there is something wrong with you that you don't want to talk about… something that perhaps is clouding your judgment because first you agree to live Malfoy, then you only half talk to me, and the outrageous amount of alcohol you consume has been noted although I think it is the smallest part of the equation," Hermione opened the door. "I completely forgive you Ron but I just need some time…."
"I Don't Know if I Should Stay" Alexz Johnson
