Alright so I am out of excuses for why it's taken me so long to update. All I can say is life happened. Anyway, this chapter is not betaed (that's not a word) because I just wanted to post it so badly. Please read the note at the end of the chapter to find out when more updates will happen.A million thanks to heronlove for the motivation to continue this. You are awesome and the next chapter will totally be in honor of you and your support.

"Breaking Tradition – Part 1"

After our talk the day of the escape from Azkaban Hermione and I tried really hard to be our old selves. The Ron and Hermione from before the masquerade, before the kisses, before the touches, before everything. In the beginning, it worked. I was bloody relieved to just be able to hear her voice again, to listen to her go on and on about her study schedules and ideas to strengthen the YPS and her outrage at the prison escape and how the Ministry was handling it. I don't know I survived all the awful days when she had avoided me like I was the equivalent of dragon dung. Having her back in my life was amazing. I was overjoyed to simply be in the same room without her escaping it within minutes. Truly it was more than enough. It was a blessing. Until it became a bloody curse.

I was still happy to hear her bossy tone, and watch her hair go wild when she led combat lessons for the YPS, and sneak a peek at her legs under her uniform's skirt when I "accidentally" dropped my quill. But all of it was also driving me mad! The bloody world was mocking me and I was being shown exactly what I couldn't have. Every day I had to remember what I had to give up to make sure that my family kept the Burrow and most importantly that Hermione and I were able to avoid Azkaban. Truthfully, I didn't bloody care if I ended up in Azkaban for breaking the contract. My parents and the Ministry deserved to know that I thought it was all rubbish. But I could not let Hermione get entangled in my mess. I remembered clearly what my brothers had said. And if one of the twins, of all people, was still paranoid about hiding how serious his relationship was before his fiancé's death then I had to be even more careful. No one could know what happened between Hermione and me. Well no one beyond the people that already knew. As it was that was already one too many.

Still, I couldn't help wanting her. Some days I went to bed early and just hid within my closed curtains. I kept wondering why. Why did I have to experience bliss only to have it turn into this? Why did my parents sign that contract? Why? Why? Why? Merlin's bollocks! I hated my life! I hated the contract! I hated my parents! I hated the world! But truly, it was my own fault. What the hell had I been thinking? I should have known it was too good to be true. I should have known that I could never deserve her. I should have known that even after she decided that for some reason she wanted me, the world knew better. Hermione is too brilliant, too giving and dedicated… and passionate and hot… so beautiful. She deserves someone who is like her… someone who is good at everything. She can do so much better than poor, average grades, average Quidditch skills, average life Ron Weasley. I should have known that it wouldn't last.

But I couldn't help how much I loved her. I couldn't help knowing that being with her was the most amazing thing in my live. I couldn't help that I was going nutters because I had been robbed of my chance. Because engaged or not, I still loved her. I loved her so much it hurt. It hurt every day. It hurt everywhere. I needed her. But even if giving her up was bloody awful, I couldn't put her in any kind of danger. I had to keep her as only a "friend". It made me miserable and angry and irrational and I wanted to punch somebody!

I think that's why Hermione and I started to fight again. All of Gryffindor had once more become used to witnessing the explosion of our tempers. We argued about everything; from patrol schedules, to the skills we should review for YPS meetings, and even the answers to homework (which I knew she was right about but I fought her anyway). She was so bloody nippy and I acted like a wanker and it made her angrier and more irritating. It was horrible and it was driving me crazy, but it was also amazing. The fighting made me want to shut her up with kisses and touches that I knew couldn't give. I wanted to pounce her, to tell her I loved her, and taste her lips, her skin, her sex and bury myself insider her until she moaned my name in ecstasy. She looked beautiful when she was all riled up and I cherished it and remember it at night and felt like I was beginning to go over the bend.

Even so, I couldn't help but hate our worst fights, when we crossed the line with hurtful comments. Those always seemed to happen when Anna stopped by Gryffindor. I admit that I could have tried to handle Anna and Hermione in the same room. And I probably should have made it clear to Hermione what Anna was to me. But our "friendship" had just been rekindled and I wasn't going to bloody risk that by starting with that conversation. So I didn't deal with any of it. My way of dealing was to always keep them as far away from the other as possible. I basically ran out of our common room as soon as I heard Anna was looking for me. I'm some Gryffindor, huh? The situation just put me in the foulest of moods because I had to go away with her and act my part and be a coward. But I had to do it! It was necessary to protect Hermione.

When I spent time with Anna I tried to forget about who I truly loved and be kind to this poor girl. When she smiled at me, I tried to grin. When she hugged me, I forced myself to return the embrace. But thank Merlin she's only fourteen and she believed the bullshit excuses I kept giving her when she mentioned our future first kiss while blushing furiously. She really believed that I wanted to take everything slowly and be respectful. She was innocent and sweet and took my lead. If Anna only knew that the mention of kissing just brought Hermione to my mind. That if Hermione was the one I was engaged to I would have been snogging her senseless and pushing all possible boundaries until my fantasies of joining our bodies became true. Poor Anna. This was unfair to her. But I had to avoid even a peck on the lips until it was absolutely necessary. I couldn't handle it.

Everything stayed about the same for about a month. Hermione was the girl I constantly fought with, who I truly loved, but kept as only a friend. Anna was my hidden fiancé who everyone thought was a new girl in school that I fancied, but I really didn't. And I was just a bloody ninny stuck in this shit.

Then the masquerade ball came up and everything changed. I didn't even see it coming. Every time my brain thought of the masquerade I blocked the idea because it reminded me of how everything started with Hermione. It reminded me of her kisses, her lips, her skin, her beautiful mermaid dress, her and I in the room of requirement and in the train, and her smiles, her giggles, moans, and whimpers, her taste, her tits, the feel of her lips on mine and on my skin, and on my cock. The masquerade was like recap of everything that I couldn't have. Of course Anna was thrilled. I thanked Merlin that she was younger because only students in fifth year or higher could go to the ball. Anna got me to ask for special permission, but it was denied. Lucky me, or so I thought.

When we were denied from going to the ball together, Anna came up with the crazy idea of spending time as a couple anyway in our own pretend ball. We didn't have to wear costumes or anything like that. She just planned a meal in an alcove that was in the basement. She had discovered it when traveling from her common room to her classes and loved the little nook. Honestly, even though it was kind of sweet, I really didn't want to do it. But she was so excited that I allowed it. I realized latter that that was a mistake. I should have kept up with only the short meetings filled with politeness and casual hugs. This little "date" was bound to not end well.

I still knew everyone else's plans. Ginny was going with Neville, Dumbledore allowed George to be in the castle that night so he would go with Estella, Malfoy was stuck with Pansy Parkinson, and Hermione was going with Harry. Even though I knew that I had no rights over what Hermione did, I couldn't stand the idea of her going with anyone else. I was being selfish and possessive and it was not my place because of Anna. I was glad she was just going with Harry who I knew is just a friend instead of going with someone who really wanted her. Also, Harry was better of going with Hermione. He did not need to deal with a girl that would either pity him for his father's dead or be completely thrilled about going with one of "the chosen ones".

That was the horrible new situation that had started the moment we arrived at Hogwarts. Even though the prophecy had not been revealed, somehow gossip about Harry and Estella being chosen to fight you-know-who had been spreading like wildfire. We knew that part was somewhat true. We had figured that Harry was the chosen one and Estella was the dark heir that had to protect him. But, people came up with the maddest ideas to top it off. Some said that Professor Snape and the Swansons weren't murdered; that they died in magical rituals to give their powers to Harry and Estella and that now Dumbledore was doing the same thing and would die to make them the most powerful witch and wizard to ever exist. Bloody bastards! Every time Harry heard about his father's supposed sacrifice we had to stop him from pummelling whoever he heard speaking of it. His father did sacrifice himself, but to save Harry's life not as some sick form of power transfer. And when Estella heard similar things about the Swansons she didn't even get angry. Instead, she got this empty look about her that got Harry, Malfoy and even Hermione and Ginny to fuss all over her. I admit that even I worried about her, especially when we spent time with McGonagall practicing how to control our powers together.

Maybe it was Harry's constant fretting over Estella or simply people's twisted minds that led to the other awful rumour. People really had nothing better to do than make up shit! They said that Estella and George's relationship was a lie. That it was really Harry and Estella that were together and their love would defeat you-know-who. That they were hiding their relationship to distract he-who-must-not-be-named and that George went along with it because Estella had him under a spell. It was mad! But even some of the YPS members sometimes asked questions about it. Bloody idiots!

The night of the Masquerade came and I didn't have to dress up. I walked out of the dorms with Harry and Neville and sat with them while they waited for Ginny and Hermione. The moment I saw her I had to take deep breath. The white dress and unusual tiara and the necklace that she wore made her look… perfect. I was in such a daze from watching her that I barely heard Harry saying something to her. I did catch Hermione's answer.

"I'm Cleopatra. It's Estella's costume from last year. With everything that's happened, I forgot to shop for the Masquerade so she just gave this to me."

"It looks nice," Harry said.

"Yeah," I croaked.

"Thank you, Harry. We should go and check if she is waiting outside. We'll walk together and meet George in the great hall."

It stung that she didn't really acknowledge me, especially because we had been on friendly terms, but there was nothing I could do, so I just let it go. Estella was there as agreed. Hermione had asked her to meet with them here to avoid walking to the great hall on her own. I knew this was a good plan because all the gossip and the nasty Slytherins were stressing her. But the moment Estella turned to us, Harry, who had been calm and cool, suddenly tensed. What the hell was going on now?

"Uhh, hi," Harry stumbled. "You look… beautiful."

Estella was wearing a fancy black dress with shiny jewels on it, a black cape, and extravagant necklace and earrings. She did look pretty, but I didn't see the reason to act as weird as Harry was unless… bloody hell! I watched my best mate as he blushed and smiled when Estella thanked him for the compliment and explained she was a vampire. Then she cast a spell that made her grow fangs. The look on Harry's face when her red lips grinned and showed off the pointy teeth was the last thing I needed to just know. He fancied her. Harry fancied Estella and I knew that she had no eyes for anyone but George. This was bad.

Soon after my realization, it was time for us to separate. Hermione didn't give me a second glance. She linked arms with Harry as he muttered a quick good bye to me. Then they left with the rest of the group. I stood like a tit in the middle of the hallway with my mind reeling. Then, somewhere between wallowing over Hermione and worrying about Harry, I missed Anna's arrival by the common room door.

"Hi," she said. She had a basket that I assumed had food in it and was wearing a pretty yellow dress and beaming. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes jumped with excitement.

I responded with my own awkward version of a hello and we started to walk. Anna continually made conversation about anything and everything. She was a talker. That was for sure. I just smiled and nodded and she seemed as pleased as ever. Since when was I quiet? Should I try to talk? What would I say? The whole point of tonight is to make myself useful and seduce myself into liking her. But, how?

As I pondered options for how to act, I watched her walk with a bounce in her step. I couldn't manage to talk. The guilt kept creeping in because even though I was here with her, I wasn't. This wanker she spent time with was not me. It was some shitty, lying, manipulative version of me that kept making Anna think that we were together and would marry and be happy. I had stooped to a level as low as the worst of Slytherins, maybe not You-Know-Who, but still! Any other boy would find Anna's sheepish smile, rosy round face, and friendly demeanour appealing. But, shite, I was not that bloke! In fact, my mind wondered in so many other directions that it was a miracle she didn't realize that as we walked to the basement of the castle I didn't truly paid attention to a word she said. Then we stopped walking and Anna took her wand and cast a revealing charm.

"Do you like it?"

"Umm… yeah…" I answered. But… truthfully, the sight was... well… bloody something. Anna had transformed a small wall nook in the basement into as close to a formal dining set-up as one can possibly get. It looked like what I imagined the inside of Madam Puddifoot's must be like - a white tablecloth laid out, red cushions for us to sit on, pink, white and red ribbons hovering all over, and little hearts sparkling from the walls. I managed a sickly sweet smile while thinking that someone must have been bloody kidding me. Maybe this was one of the Twins' pranks. How I wished it was a prank.

"Are you going to stand the whole time or...?"

"Oh, sorry," I said as I joined her and sat in the cushion right across from her.

She shook her head and waved me off with her hand. "It's fine. You like it so much you are speechless. It's cute."

"Right," I answered with a fake grin. Cute? Who the hell calls me cute? Lanky, awkward, ginger, those make sense. But cute? The closest to being called that was when Hermione…

"Ron?"

"Yeah."

"Which one? Pâté, jam, or cheese?"

"Jam. What else is in there?"

Anna giggled. "I brought toast and sausages and my favourite French snacks and just things we could try. So no Pâté?"

"Well… I… I've never eaten that."

She smiled and handed me a piece of toast with the spread on it while simply saying, "Try it."

I figured why not - food is food. I took a bite. The Pâté wouldn't make it into the territory of deliciousness of chocolate frogs or trickle tarts, but it wasn't bad. Anna then got me to try all the different things she'd brought as she told me about her mother's latest letter and how it described all the mischief her brothers gotten to. Those little twits reminded me of Fred and George, except they weren't my brothers. So, for me they were prats.

Everything was okay and she was pleasant and caring and sweet. But as our 'date' ended I realized that thought pleasant and passable, the date was unmemorable. It was just like everything always was with Anna, forced and boring. How am I going to get through a lifetime of this?

I began walking Anna to Hufflepuff in a daze, still pondering on what felt like a doomed future. Suddenly, I heard a noise nearby, close to a fruit portrait. I decided it was nothing and continued to walk. Then Anna stopped and broke into a grin.

"We're here," she said, as we got to the door leading to the Hufflepuff common room. I forced a smile and then she wrapped her arms around my waist, burying her head into my chest for just a moment too long. She pulled away and looked up at me through her eyelashes.

"Do I make you nervous?" she asked timidly while running her finger on my chest.

My heart begun beating erratically and not in a pleasant way. "Umm… I…" I croaked.

What was I supposed to say? Yeah… I'm nervous because I'm lying and deceiving you and don't want to be around you, but I have to. Doubt she would like that answer. Somehow, I forced a grin onto my face and reached for her hand, tangling our fingers together.

"I… I do feel out of sorts."

It was true in a way. But I still hated myself for how it came out. I sounded like a jittery fool who fancied her. Anna blushed.

"Do you… umm… want to meet in the alcove for lunch tomorrow?" she asked giving me another shy grin.

"Yeah," I muttered, feeling relieved that this was finally over. I pulled my hand out of hers and then turned to go. That's when I saw it. Barely peeking out from the wall I would have to turn to in order to leave the basement - bushy brown hair. I had a few seconds to make up my mind on what to do. Unfortunately, Anna beat me to it.

"Ron! Wait!"

I stopped and turned around to face her. Her brows knitted together in determination. Then I felt it. Her lips were pressing onto mine and both of her hands were on the sides of my face.

The kiss wasn't a long one, a few seconds at most before I pulled away in horror. But I knew it was enough. This was a disaster. Hermione must have seen and my heart ached at the thought. Anna's eyes were still closed. All I was able to think about was finding an excuse to get the hell out of here to follow Hermione. Finally Anna opened her eyes, sucking in a deep breath.

"Is everything alright?" she asked. I wracked my head for excuses. Telling her, 'Oh, I'm in love with my friend Hermione and I think she just bloody saw you kissing me. Now, I need to go explain that I love her but I have to be with you and then make sure that she's okay,' probably wasn't something that would be good for our "relationship".

"Yeah… brilliant," I said, trying to lie convincingly so I could bloody leave. "I just thought I heard something and moments like this should be private. Talk at lunch, tomorrow?"

"See you then," she answered. She turned around and I swore I saw her bring her hand to her face, maybe tracing her lips with her fingers. She was nearly skipping into the Hufflepuff common room. And I should have been happy that she was so over the moon. But instead my chest felt a bloody horrible pain that made it hard to breathe.

I ran towards the corner where I had seen her hair and caught sight of her figure as she disappeared into the hallway to the left of the fruit portrait. I knew that led to a stairwell that then went towards the dungeons. I ran after her and quickly cast a tracing charm to help me keep track of her. It took a while to get it to work, probably because my enchantments are not brilliant like hers. Still I was able to get a signal as to where she was going. I moved closer and closer to the dungeons, but surprisingly the charm signal ended by pointing me to a large suit of armor.

Memories from third year assaulted my brain. This was the suit of armour that the kyklos proctais had once led me to because Hermione was in danger. This was the place where Harry, Hermione and I had found the Periculum Bellati flowers and confronted someone from Black Hand for the first time. This was where fighting the evil madness of these past years begun. It felt weird to be here once again chasing after Hermione. But I was determined. I had to explain and make sure Hermione was okay. I remembered that I needed to say "Patefacio" and got going. The suit of armour moved and allowed the doorway to become visible. I went in, feeling dread, anxiety, and a sense of longing and sorrow that I never even knew I was capable of experiencing. Then, I heard her and her words froze me to the spot.

I hope you liked it. The next chapter is written already I just need to review it and reword some things, but I should be able to post another update in a week or two. My job finally slowed down and my mom is helping me with my son for the summer so I have some time. It's amazing. I missed writing so bad.

As always please review because that is an incredible motivator.