Author's Note: Sorry about the long wait. This chapter has been written and rewritten a few times and I finally liked what i now have :)
I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Some of you have asked for more Ron, and here he is.
As always, please leave a review.
"Ready for this, captain?" Ron asked, grinning at Harry as they walked down to the pitch. He shrugged, feeling slightly nervous as they continued on down.
"Ready to get a team, that's for sure."
"We're going to win a cup again this year, I just know it."
Hermione walked beside them, smiling as she listened to their conversation. Eventually, they arrived at the pitch and Harry immediately looked around at all the students.
"I'll be in the stands if you need me," Hermione said, kissing Harry's cheek. He nodded at her as she walked away.
"Let's do this," he said to Ron. They walked down to the bench and saw Katie Bell sitting there.
"Hello, Katie," they said together.
"Hello, Harry, Ron. Ready to start tryouts, Harry?"
He nodded, then turned to the students. "Welcome to Gryffindor Quidditich tryouts. This term, we need two Chasers and two Beaters. Since Katie is a chaser, she will be practicing with two people at a time. After everyone-including those trying out for Beaters-gets a chance to tryout, Ron, Katie and I will discuss and determine who is on the team. Katie, mount your broom. We're going to start off with the Chasers."
She nodded as she stood up from the bench and mounted her broom. She then hovered in midair and waited for Harry's instructions. He then sent two of the students up to her.
"Hi, Hermione," Susan Bones said, sitting next to her in the stands.
"Hello, Susan. How are you?"
"I'm doing better."
"I know how you're feeling," she said softly, looking away. "My parents were killed over the break."
"I'm so sorry," she said, giving Hermione a hug.
"I'm sorry about your aunt. She did a lot, especially for Harry and Sirius."
"This war has affected all of us. You, Harry and I have suffered a lot."
Hermione looked back out over the pitch, smiling as she saw Harry observe the players. They were both silent for a few moments before Susan spoke again.
"You two make a very cute couple."
"We get that a lot."
"You do, though. I'm actually here to talk to you about something."
"What do you need?"
"Is Ron seeing anyone?"
Hermione looked at her in shock. "Wow, um, no. He's not dating anyone. Why do you ask?"
She blushed and looked away. "I have a small crush on him."
"Really?"
"I have for a while now. I've thought about asking him out, but I don't know. What do you think I should do?"
"If you like him, ask him out."
"Don't tell him."
Hermione hesitated, but nodded. "I won't tell him."
"Hello, Granger."
Hermione jumped and turned around. She let out a groan by who was sitting next to her.
"What do you want, Cormac?"
"I came to try out for chaser."
She rolled her eyes. "Fascinating."
"That is, if your boyfriend accepts me on the team. What am I saying? Of course he will accept me!"
Hermione looked at Susan, who rolled her eyes as well. "Maybe he will."
"Everything still going between you two?"
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Yes, why?"
"Just think you could do better."
"Oh, really? And, tell me, who is better for me than Harry? Who's better than my best friend of six years who cares for me?"
"Me, of course."
"Never."
"I think you need to leave, McLaggen!" Susan said.
"I wasn't talking to you, was I? I was talking to Granger."
"My name's Hermione, and I want you to get away from me."
"Ah, come on. We would be a great couple. I can give you what Potter can't."
He cried out in pain as Hermione's hand slapped against his cheek. Susan grinned.
"If you knew me, you would know that I am a pretty patient person until you anger me enough. I broke someone's nose in third year, I can do it again. Now, leave! And, by the way, I would never betray Harry."
He glared at her before he stalked off. Just as he was about to return to the pitch, someone pushed him into the stands. He turned around and saw Ron standing there, a furious look resting on his face.
"What do you want, Weasley?"
"I overheard that entire conversation. If you EVER try to come between and Harry and Hermione again, she will not be the only one breaking something on you. You have my word on that."
"You think I'm scared of you?" he said, glaring at Ron. Ron reached up and held his fist in the air, nearly grinning as Cormac flinched away.
"You seem pretty scared to me."
"MR. WEASLEY!"
Ron closed his eyes as McGonagall's voice echoed throughout the grounds. Beside him, Cormac grinned.
"Busted, are we?"
"What is going on here?" she asked, looking between her students.
"Weasley is threatening me, professor."
"I see that. I am surprised by you, Weasley. You have detention with me this evening for this."
"Well worth it," he muttered, looking back at Cormac.
"Return to the pitch, both of you."
They nodded and returned to the field. Ron found Harry and Katie sitting on the bench, looking over the list of names.
"Where have you been?" he asked, looking up.
"I-uh-went to talk to Hermione."
"We need you here, mate."
"Sorry."
"We're just about done with the Chasers. Not trying to play favorites here, but, I thought Ginny played extremely well."
"I agree," Katie said, nodding.
They spoke for a few more moments before making a decision. Harry then stood up and called for the Beaters, and they watched as they all tried out for the position. After everyone did, they once again talked.
"This is our team, then," Harry said, circling the names on the parchment. Ron and Katie nodded. He then stood up and addressed the crowd, glad that the tryouts were over.
"We have made a decision! The Chasers will be Katie Bell, Ginny Weasley and Demelza Robins."
He waited for a moment as they were several cheers and frustrated players. He closed his eyes when he heard "favoritism" being yelled out. When it finally calmed down again, he talked.
"For our Beaters, we have chosen Jimmy Peakes and Ritchie Coote."
They were several more disgruntled yells. Harry ignored them as he glanced back at Ron and Katie, who shook their heads.
"If you have been chosen, please stay after. The rest of you may go."
The four students stayed behind. Everyone else left, half of them glaring at Harry as they did so.
"Congratulations. I need to check to times for practicing, so I will be in touch with all of you. I will also try to post to the notice board. That's all I have to say."
They nodded, grabbed their brooms and took off. Ginny walked up to Harry.
"I can't believe I made the team!"
"You were amazing. You were one of the fastest Chasers I have ever seen. Katie chose the Chasers, and she liked what she saw with you."
She smiled as she looked down. "I can't wait to start playing."
"I'll let you know."
She nodded and walked back to the castle. Harry walked back over to Ron, who was shifting from foot to foot.
"Harry, can I talk to you?" he asked, as Harry picked up his firebolt. He nodded.
"What's the matter?"
"I was going to ask Hermione something, when I overheard a conversation she and Cormac McLaggen were having."
Harry's eyes narrowed as he stared at Ron. "What were they talking about?"
"He was trying to get Hermione to break up with you so he could ask her out."
He took a deep breath as Ron's words sunk in. Ron smiled at what he said next.
"If it makes you feel better, she threatened to break his nose if he did that again."
Harry laughed. "That's my girl. Thanks for telling me."
"I felt like you deserved to know."
"Thanks. I'm assuming there's a reason you waited to tell me?"
"I didn't want it affecting your decision about the team."
Harry nodded. "I understand."
"Hi," Hermione said, walking up to them.
"What did McLaggen say to you?" he asked. She looked at him in shock.
"How did you-"
"Ron told me."
"I overheard."
"It's nothing, Harry. Cormac has slugs for a brain."
Harry and Ron laughed.
"What's the matter?" Hermione asked, watching as Harry threw his head on the back of the couch.
"I think this term is harder than last," he said quietly. She closed her book and leaned her head on his shoulder, smiling softly as his arm wrapped around her shoulder.
"Are you thinking about earlier?"
"I can't believe he said that to you."
"I want you to know that I would never hurt you. I love you, and only you."
He kissed her head. "I know you wouldn't, just as you should know that I would NEVER hurt you. I made a promise to your parents that I would look after you."
"When was this?"
"The day of the funeral."
She smiled softly, knowing that he would never break a promise. She heard him yawn.
"You should go get some sleep."
"I don't sleep well," he replied, so quietly that she barely heard him.
"When was the last time you got any sleep?"
"When you and I fell asleep together," he whispered into her ear. She pulled back to look at him.
"Well, that's certainly not an option, is it?"
He shook his head, smiling softly. "I wish it was."
She rolled her eyes, shoving his chest lightly. "Not an option."
"Eventually, maybe," he said, staring straight into the fire. Her heart stopped in her chest.
'With everything going on, I haven't even thought about a future. Has he?'
"Hey," Ron replied, startling them both out of their thoughts.
"I thought you were going to bed," she replied, sitting up on the couch.
"Tried. Couldn't fall asleep. Hope I didn't interrupt anything."
"We were just working on our homework," Harry said, closing his eyes against the back of the couch.
"And here I thought this term would be easier," Ron replied, shaking his head. Hermione smiled slightly.
"You should know by now that it always gets harder."
"And, you should know by now that I would never realize that."
Harry's soft snoring distracted both of them. Hermione reached over and shook him, causing him to wake up.
"Go to bed," she said quietly. He nodded, rubbing his eyes underneath his glasses.
"Night," he said, giving his a quick kiss. Ron said the same and Harry took off towards the dormitory. Hermione turned back to Ron.
"It's never just you and I. How are you doing?"
"Good, I suppose. Just trying to make it through."
She tapped her fingers against her arms, debating whether or not she should tell Ron. After a few moments, she began to speak again.
"Ron, do you like anyone?"
He turned to her, amusement written all over his face. "No, why?"
"Susan Bones told me she has a crush on you."
"Really?" he said, smiling more to himself than her. She nodded.
"She asked me not to tell you."
"So, why did you?"
She swallowed, hoping that she didn't offend him by saying this. "I figured you might be getting a little lonely. It can't be easy seeing Harry and I all the time."
"Hermione," he replied, taking her hand in his, "we have talked about this. I'm fine you and Harry. I'm not lonely. If Susan does have a crush on me however…"
"I think you should ask her out."
"You think so?"
She nodded, smiling at him. "You should."
He nodded, turning to look back at the fireplace. She let out a yawn.
"I think I'm turning in. Goodnight, Ron."
"Night, Hermione."
She grabbed her stuff and took off towards the dormitory. He stared at her back, a sad expression on his face.
"Where do you think Dumbledore has gone off to?" Ron asked quietly, looking up at the empty chair at the Heads Table.
"I have no idea."
"I hope everything's ok," Hermione said, looking at Harry.
"Hi, Ron," Susan said, walking up to the table.
"Er, hi," he said, suddenly losing her voice. Hermione laughed quietly behind her hand while Harry looked at her.
"Can I talk to you?"
"Yeah," he replied, standing up to talk to her in private.
"Did I miss something?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow at Hermione.
"Let's just see how this plays out," she replied, watching Ron and Susan. They watched the two of them for a couple of minutes before Ron returned to the table, a blank expression on his face.
"So?" Hermione asked, growing frustrated with how silent he was being. He shrugged.
"She asked me out, and I said yes."
Hermione smiled, while Harry just looked confused.
"Seriously, did I miss something?"
"I'll tell you later, thick skull," she replied, rolling her eyes. He glared at her. "I'm very excited to hear that, Ron. You deserve to be happy."
He nodded, turning away from her. She took the final bite of her breakfast before grabbing her bag.
"I have to get to class. See you boys later."
They bid her goodbye before Harry turned to Ron, grinning from ear to ear.
"Don't start."
"Since when has this been happening?"
Ron shook his head, and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Whatever, mate. Want to see if Sirius is free for some training before class?"
Ron nodded, and they took off towards the Defense classroom. They opened the door and saw Sirius sitting at the desk, looking through a textbook. He looked up at smiled at them.
"What can I help the two of you with?"
"Are you up for some training?"
"Too close to class. I must say, though, the both of you are doing much better."
"I'm still nowhere close to Voldemort's level."
"You think," he replied honestly, staring straight at his godson. Harry's eyebrows raised in confusion.
"What are you talking about, Sirius?"
"Voldemort was utterly shocked that you were able to fight him off. You have much more power than you think you do."
Harry nodded, knowing that he wouldn't win the battle.
"What is Dumbledore talking to you about?"
"I really have no idea," he said, sitting atop of one of the desks. "He showed me a memory of the past, but that's it. He says we'll continue it throughout the term."
"He hasn't said why?"
Harry shook his head. "Do you have any idea where he's taking off to? Surely the Order knows something."
"Actually, we don't. We haven't had a meeting in quite a while. Mad-Eye is in charge if anything happens. I really have no idea where he's taking off to."
"I'm sure you noticed his blackened hand."
"We all have. McGonagall and I have discussed it a few times, but, we have no answer. Whatever he's doing, I have a feeling it's connected to what he's teaching you."
"That sounds about right," he replied.
"Harry, Hermione's birthday is coming up."
"Right," he replied, closing his eyes. "It's her seventeenth birthday."
"Legally, she will no longer need a guardian. Tonks, Molly, Arthur, Remus and I want her to know that, just because she's of age, we are still for her. As we are for all of you. We're not turning our backs on you just because you're "adults". You will always be our children."
Ron and Harry smiled.
"Thanks, Sirius. This is her first birthday without her parents, and it's her biggest one. I have no idea how to celebrate it with her."
"She might be feeling down as it approaches. Both of you better stay close to her."
"Ah, Harry, m'boy!" Slughorn said, stopping him after class. Harry closed his eyes.
'What now?'
"Yes, sir?"
"I was hoping that you and Miss. Granger could join me and other students this Saturday night for some dinner. What do you say?"
Harry was about to politely turn him down, when Dumbledore's words sprung through his head.
'Get close to Professor Slughorn.'
"We'll be there, sir."
"Excellent! I shall see you then."
Harry nodded before turning to walk away. He met Ron and Hermione outside of the door.
"What'd he want, star-student?" Ron asked. Harry's eyes drifted to Hermione.
"He wants Hermione and I to join him for dinner on Saturday."
"What?" she said, giving Harry a look.
"I know. Trust me, if it wasn't for Dumbledore wanting me to get close to him, I would have turned it down. I don't want to go any more than you do."
She stared at him for a moment before nodding. "Alright."
"Thank you," he said, giving her a quick kiss. "Hopefully it's not as painful as it sounds."
She laughed. "Me, too."
"If you two are doing that, I might spend some time with Susan."
"Really, now?" Harry asked, grinning from ear to ear. Ron glared at him.
"Don't listen to him," Hermione said, lightly shoving Harry's chest. "Good for you, Ron."
"I do wish you could come," he said.
"Nah. Not my kind of thing."
Harry laughed, while Hermione smiled.
"I still can't believe we have to do this," Hermione said, as she and Harry slowly walked towards Slughorn's office.
"I know. You know that I'll make it up to you."
She stopped him for a moment to give him a quick kiss before they continued back on the path. When they arrived at the office, Harry immediately let out an angered sigh by who else was there.
"Ignore him, Harry."
He nodded, but refused to take his eyes off of Cormac. They walked up to Ginny.
"Hello there, Ginny."
"Hi there. Look at you two," she said, grinning as she looked between them. She then noticed Harry's look. "What's wrong with him?"
"He doesn't trust McLaggen."
"Right," she said, remembering when Hermione told her. "Nobody likes him anyway, Harry. He likes to try to start things."
"He's the Gryffindor version of Malfoy," Hermione said.
"I would love to see you break his nose," Harry said quietly, grinning down at her. She smiled up at him.
"Only if necessary. I am a prefect, you know."
"I wouldn't have guessed," he grinned.
"Shall we eat?" Slughorn said, gesturing towards the table. Harry pulled Hermione's chair out and waited until she sat down until he sat in his own seat.
He tried his hardest to pay attention, but found he was unable to. His mind kept drifting, and he felt extremely tired from not being able to sleep. Eventually, Hermione slipped her hand into his, and he squeezed it back.
"This is quite fun, isn't it?" Slughorn said, smiling amongst the students.
'Not in the least,' Harry thought.
"We should definitely do this again," he continued on. "Now, it is getting late, and some of you are Prefects. You best be going."
Harry and Hermione felt as though they couldn't get out of there quick enough. However, just as they were about to leave, a picture caught Harry's eye.
"What is it?" Hermione asked, looking at the picture.
"That's my mum," he said, pointing to the red-haired student in the photo. Hermione took a closer look.
"It is."
"Ah, Lily. It's a terrible thing what happened to her," Slughorn said sadly, walking up to them. "She was a wonderful and bright student. A muggleborn with the best grades in her class, Prefect, and Head Girl."
Harry looked over at Hermione, who put her hand to her mouth and turned away.
"You are very much like her," Slughorn said to Hermione.
Harry stared at the picture, watching as his mother smiled back at him though it. He closed his eyes as her screams played in his head.
"Sorry, professor, we need to get going,"
"Of course. Have a good night."
They bid their goodbyes and walked out of his office. As soon as they were out of earshot, she turned to him.
"What happened?"
"I heard her screams from the night she died."
She stared back at him sadly. He gently pushed a strand of her hair back behind her ear.
"I know that was torture, but thank you."
She laughed, dropping her head to his chest. "Whatever Professor Dumbledore wants you to get from him, it better be good."
"Is that why you think he wants me to get acquainted with him?"
"Clearly, Dumbledore wants something from him. Or else, I don't think he would be here."
"I'm deducting points!"
They both jumped as Ron walked towards them, grinning. They glared playfully at him.
"In case you've forgotten, I am a prefect."
"And I'm Quidditich Captain."
"Detention, then?"
They both shook their heads.
"We've already been in it," Harry said.
"That bad, huh?"
"It was so boring," Hermione said, leaning into Harry. "I don't think he was paying any attention what-so-ever."
"I would love to say no, but, yes."
"Glad I didn't go then."
"How was your date?" she asked. He shrugged.
"It was ok."
"What happened?"
"We just don't know each other that well," he said, shrugging again.
"You will."
"Happy birthday," Harry said, as he and Ron met her at the bottom of the stairwell. She smiled sadly.
"Thank you."
"You're officially an adult," Ron grinned. She smiled again.
"What do you want to do?" Harry asked her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
"Go to class," she said, grabbing her bag as she did so. He rolled his eyes.
"After that."
She shrugged. "Nothing, really."
Harry and Ron locked eyes.
"Are you sure?" Ron asked, placing his hand on her arm.
"I know what you're doing. I am fine. I would just like to get some homework done, if that's ok."
"It's your birthday. You shouldn't be worrying about classes."
"Not everyone has their birthday in the summer," she pointed out.
"Got you there, mate."
"Can we just go to breakfast?" she asked, looking between them. They nodded, and took off towards the Great Hall.
"Going to speak with Susan. I'll be back in a minute," Ron said. They nodded, and watched as he took off towards the Hufflepuff table.
"I know what you're going to ask," she said, stopping Harry before entered the hall. He looked at her.
"It's your first birthday without your parents, Hermione. We just want to make it great for you."
She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Do you know what I really want to do?"
He shook his head. She moved her head up to his ear and whispered something into it. Harry's knees nearly gave out.
"Think about it," she said, smiling at him as she entered the hall. He shook his head, loving the fact that he made Hermione act like that.
The next few weeks passed, and October had quickly sprung up on them. With no sign of Dumbledore, Harry was beginning to wonder if he would ever return, and if there would be any more lessons.
The arrival of Hogsmeade weekend, however, put his worries aside. He had spent the whole day with Hermione, Ron and Susan, enjoying their limited freedom from the castle.
As classes resumed on Monday, Ginny walked up to Harry, holding a piece of parchment in her hand.
"Hello, Harry. Professor Dumbledore is back, and he asked me to give you this."
"Oh, ok," he said, taking it from her. "Thanks, Ginny."
"Looking forward to our first game," she said, smiling at him. He nodded at her as she turned and walked away, unwrapping the parchment as he did so.
"What's it say?" Ron asked.
"I'm meeting with him tonight."
"Good evening, Harry," Dumbledore said, as Harry walked into his office.
"Evening, sir."
"Are you ready to view another memory?"
"Can I ask why we are doing this?"
"I have told you, I believe Voldemort is hiding something."
"And you clearly know what it is. Why are you showing me these memories? What do they have to do with what you're finding?"
"We will get to it. I promise."
"Why can't you tell me now? Maybe I can help you. If it has something to do with Voldemort, then, it has something to do with me, too, right?"
Dumbledore drew his head up, staring at Harry for a moment. He then went to his desk and pulled some items out, one Harry recognized right away.
"Riddle's diary?" he asked, flipping through the pages.
"When you destroyed this diary in your second year, it made me realize something. I have asked you to get close to Professor Slughorn for a reason. Tonight, I will show you a few more memories than I intended you. Then, I need to ask a favor from you."
Harry looked back up at him before returning his attention to the items on his desk. His attention turned to the ring sitting there, and he picked it up, recognizing it from the last memory he viewed with Dumbledore.
"Is that what happened to your hand?" he asked, disgust and shock flowing through him. Dumbledore nodded.
"I think you're starting to piece it together. Let me get straight to the point, Harry. Voldemort has made Horcruxes."
"What are Horcruxes?" Harry asked, his voice shaky as he stared at him.
"Professor Slughorn has the answer to that. The memory I will show you in a few moments has been altered, because Horance didn't want me finding out what he may have told Tom Riddle. I heard that you and Hermione went to Slughorn's dinner party. I need the two of you to get close to Slughorn so we can get the correct memory. As for your question about viewing these memories, the more we learn about Tom Riddle and his family, the more we learn about these Horcruxes, and how many he created."
Harry stared at Dumbledore in shock, wondering how much more there could be. Dumbledore stared back at him.
"As for your silent question, yes, I have been out chasing these Horcruxes, and my hand suffered as a result of it."