HERMIONE
"McLaggen?! You're taking McLaggen?!" Ginny cried. "Hermione, why would you do that to yourself?"
"It was the best way that I could think to upset Ronald," said Hermione matter of factly, pinning her hair back. She saw Ginny's mouth hanging open in shock as they made eye contact through the mirror. "Don't look at me like that. Ron's been infuriating, I couldn't see another way to-"
"I'm so jealous of the pair of you, getting to go to that party," said Lavender as she and Parvarti burst into the sixth year's dormitory, interrupting Hermione.
"Yes, Ginny wait till you see Dean, he looks quite dashing," Parvati added.
"Okay-"
"As does McLaggen, Hermione," Lavender said with a girlish giggle. "I can't believe you didn't tell us about the two of you."
"Yes, especially since we started to wonder whether you and Harry were secretly dating," added Parvati, peering at Hermione suspiciously.
"Yes, seeing as you fancy really good Quidditch players."
"Oh! Did you hear, though, that Harry is taking Loony - "
"Stop calling her that!" Ginny demanded.
"Oops, sorry," said Lavender, not sounding sorry at all. "But he can't actually like her, could he?"
"And why not?" Ginny spat. "Luna is kind, loyal and one of the bravest people I know."
Hermione, still using the mirror in a last minute attempt to pin back her hair, shot Ginny a questioning look. And the strange assertiveness of Ginny's statement seemed to have silenced Parvati and Lavender. But for only a moment.
"I was actually hoping that Harry would ask me," Parvati continued. "Seeing as how he asked me to the Yule Ball at the last minute fourth year."
"And now that he seems to have finally gotten over Cho. He could take anyone he wanted to, really," declared Lavender. "I'm surprised he isn't taking Romilda Vane." Lavender sprawled out, lounging on her bed and looked dreamily up at the top of her four poster bed. "It's a shame Won-Won and I couldn't go together, it would have been fun to get all dressed up, go dancing, and afterwards we'd-"
"About ready then, Hermione?" Ginny said.
"Yes!" Hermione hurried to grab her bag and they left for the common room.
"Have fun for us!" cried Lavender after them as they rushed out of the room.
"I swear, you'd think she was trying to get me to hex her," said Ginny.
"Why did't you?" Hermione said, earning a snigger from Ginny.
The two of them descended the stairs into a buzzing Gryffindor common room. Several students already dressed for Slughorn's party grouped together, conversing excitedly. Meanwhile, those not invited were seated throughout the room, throwing covert glares toward invitees. Hermione and Ginny chose to wait for their dates by the fireplace, away from the other partygoers.
"Stop fidgeting, Hermione," Ginny breathed.
"What have I done, Ginny?" Hermione looked at Ginny despairingly. Her fingers twisting nervously together and she began bouncing on her heels.
"You've gone to extreme measures to show my brother how much of an arse he's being," Ginny said. "And I respect that. But next time, find a way that does not punish yourself!"
"Hey," said a voice behind them. They whirled around to come face to face with Harry. Hermione took note of Ginny's expression upon laying eyes on Harry in his fine dress robes, subtly Christmas themed tie, and bright green eyes.
Ginny cleared her throat and said, "Hi Harry, you look nice."
"Er- thanks, Ginny. You too," he said hurriedly. "Are you ready to go then?"
"Sorry Harry, I said I'd wait for Dean here. And I suppose we will go directly to Slughorn's office."
"Oh," he paused. "Well, I better get down to meet Luna. See you there."
Hermione smirked at her friend after Harry had left.
"So sorry to interrupt that," she said.
"Oh, hush," Ginny said. "Look, there's Dean."
"Don't sound so disappointed."
"And here comes your date. Well, meet you there, Hermione."
"No, please don't leave me."
"Serves you right."
HERMIONE
Hermione had never looked forward to the Christmas holidays more. The last several weeks of term had been absolutely dreadful. Ron's insufferable mood swings had hit new extremes. Dealing out blows, of which she was inexplicably on the receiving end.
Harry was a comfort, but shared his time judiciously as he attempted to remain neutral. In their trio, Ron had been the one to ease the tensions and lighten the moods. Which was no easy feat. And now, the absence of Ron left her bitter and withdrawn. She realized she hadn't smiled in weeks, and could tell that Harry felt it too.
Many of her days were spent alone. Between class times and some evenings, Ginny joined her to share sweets or ask advice with OWLs. Even her studies did not hold their usual satisfaction. Having to work to avoid Ron on a daily basis was awkward and an effort in tactics that took up much of her energy.
The Ministry had decided all students were to travel via Floo Network this year. Each student was assigned departure times. Since Hermione's was in several hours, she sat at a table in the Common Room, reading The Magical Misadventures of Madcap Michael.
"Good morning," Ginny said, yawning widely and sinking into a chair across from her. "That seems out of character for you." Gesturing towards the book.
"Trying to wind down for the holidays, I suppose. Could use a laugh," said Hermione dully. "Anyway, how was your evening? I didn't see you and Dean at the party."
"That's because we were there all of 10 minutes," Ginny said sourly, her head propped up on her fist. "We got in a row."
"Oh? I thought you two were getting on."
"We had been," she said earnestly. "Well, I dunno, perhaps he's been a bit annoying. But last night he was upset that I didn't introduce him to Gwenog Jones."
"I'm surprised anyone could get a word in with her," Hermione muttered, putting a heating charm on her cup of tea.
"I know what you think of her. And she has every right to be 'full of herself'. She's captained the Harpies through multiple victories, including -"
"Spare me, I've heard enough about Quidditch from McLaggen."
Ginny managed to look empathetic and Hermione could feel herself being studied. "You miss Ron, don't you?"
She felt like she'd been hit with a stunning spell. Eyes blinking rapidly, she tried to cover it up by taking another swig of tea.
"Hermione, there's something I need to tell you," Ginny admitted. "I didn't want to tell you because, well, at first I didn't regret it. But now that I've seen how Ron reacted… and how obnoxious he's being … well, more obnoxious than usual... And lately, I've been worried you might think it's my fault…"
"What is it?"
"Ron. He's upset with you because of something I said," she said in a long breath out. "I told him you snogged Krum."
Silence.
"Why on earth would you -"
"It was Ron's fault, the git," Ginny said the last part in an undertone. "He and Harry walked in on Dean and me privately celebrating a particularly good Quidditch practice. Oh, don't look at me like that, it's not a crime to shamelessly snog someone in a secret passageway," she spat.
"And you figured that would be the opportune time to tell Ron that Viktor and I kissed?" Hermione spluttered. "It was twice and I put an end to it."
"Three times. Remember, before the Third Task?"
Hermione gave her a stern look, hot frustration and embarrassment spread up her neck. Her look had done its job, as Ginny shifted in her seat guilty and swallowed.
"Alright, poor reaction on my part. In hindsight. But Ron was accusing me of being a tart. So I told him how we all have snogged other people. And then… well… he decided to accept the challenge. Poor Lavender was just his first available victim," she finished, shaking her head sympathetically.
Now it made sense. How like Ron, to take a completely drastic action in opposition of his feelings. All to prove a point.
Hermione slammed her book shut. Hot fury coursed through her. All feelings of missing Ron now out the window. When would he finally grow up? When would he react like a sane, stable human being. For each of his good qualities, an equally negative one stood opposite, effectively canceling it out. She was tired, exhausted with navigating his self consciousness like avoiding a pit of Devil's Snare.
"Are you angry with me?"
"Yes and no," Hermione said. "I do wish you had told me sooner. I had no idea what I was supposed to have done. But I don't necessarily blame you. Viktor and I weren't exactly a secret. But I also didn't want him to know. He gets - funny - about these things."
Ginny chewed on her lip, not completely satisfied.
"I am sorry, Hermione. Really, I am."
Hermione waved it off. "It's not like you can control an underdeveloped hormonal child. He is capable of making himself into a complete and utter arse all by himself."
"Er - right." Ginny tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, nervously biting her lip.
"So what was Dean so upset about last night anyway?" Hermione asked, quickly changing the topic of conversation.
"I dunno exactly. Something about me ignoring him around Gwenog and him being a poor Quidditch player," she said quickly. "By the way, have Ron and Harry been down yet, we're supposed to leave in an hour."
"No," said Hermione pointedly. "I have not seen Ronald."
"Well, do you want to go down to breakfast?"
Once outside of the Common Room, they were met with the bitter cold of the castle. The two girls pulled their coats closer, linked arms, and hurried along the hallway.
"I cannot believe Ron," Hermione burst, shaking her head. Ginny squeezed her arm comfortingly. "If he would have just asked me about -"
"Oh yeah, and he would say 'Hey, Hermione. Ginny just told me you had mind-blowing make out sessions with an international Quidditch star. I know I'm just a temperamental Gryffindor Keeper, but will you snog me too?'"
Hermione stifled a giggle into her glove.
"He's not just a Gryffindor Keeper," Hermione said softly.
"Yeah, he's also a massive git."
"People are more than just how talented they are at Quidditch, Ginny," Hermione said wisely, earning an eye roll from Ginny. They were now back to discussing Ginny and Dean's argument. "Maybe it was just that Dean wanted to be involved in your life. You are very independent, you know. Sometimes boyfriends can be intimidated by that."
"I'm not going to coddle him to ease his ego."
"That's not what I'm suggesting. But perhaps you could just listen to what he has to say?"
"And they say witches are the complicated ones."
They finally entered the wide, and thankfully warm, dining hall. Many students were still sleeping in, having later Floo appointments, so the Gryffindor table was practically empty save for several clusters of students.
"Hey Ginny," Dean said.
"Hi Dean," she replied. His eyes went back and forth between Hermione and Ginny, clearly indicating he was hoping he could talk to his girlfriend alone. But Ginny decidedly did not take the obvious hint.
"Hey Hermione."
"Hi Dean," she replied, feeling exceedingly uncomfortable.
Dean cleared his throat and started, "About last night -"
"Don't apologize, Dean. It was such a silly argument. Probably best for us to cool off over the break, let it go."
"I actually wasn't going to apologize," he said coolly. "I meant what I said."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
He stood expectantly, waiting. Nodding slowly, Ginny determinedly looked anywhere but at his face. Feeling immensely awkward, Hermione fiddled with her tea cup and made soft clunks against the wood. Dean cleared his throat and bravely continued.
"Do you want to go talk about it or-"
At that moment, Ron and Harry entered the Great Hall. Several students flinched as a piercing "Won-Won!" from Lavender filled the hall. She launched herself down the aisle to reunite with Ron. Harry dodged her swiftly and made his way for Hermione, Ginny and Dean.
"Morning," Harry greeted groggily, sitting down beside Ginny. He started pulling toast and eggs onto his plate. "Ginny, we leave in thirty minutes, yeah?"
The mood had suddenly turned from awkward to tense, as Dean glared furtively at a very stubborn, very un-talkative Ginny.
"Yeah," Ginny said.
At that instant, Dean threw up his hands and shook his head in frustration.
"Merry Christmas, Ginny," he said, storming off without waiting for a reply. Several moments passed in silence. Harry searched Hermione for more information, but she shook her head slightly: don't ask.
"Harry, did you have fun at Slughorn's party?" Ginny asked brightly.
His mouth was full, but he shrugged noncommittally. "Not particularly," he said. "Luna helped though."
"I'm glad you took her, I'm sure she had a good time."
"I didn't see you there. I would have thought you'd be chatting up Gwenog Jones all night," he said, smiling knowingly.
"We spoke, actually! She gave me her card," Ginny said as she carefully pulled out Gwenog's shining green and gold card and showed it to Harry. He grinned, taking the card and admiring it for a moment.
"That's brilliant! She spoke to me too, somehow knew I was Gryffindor's Quidditch Captain."
Hermione snorted. "Harry, the whole wizarding world knows you're Captain."
"Yes, I believe it was one of the items on Teen Witch Weekly's Top 10 Most Fanciable Facts About Harry Potter," Ginny teased.
"Oh yeah? There are ten?" He said, grinning.
"I believe there was 'Triwizard Champion', 'Rode a Centaur', and my personal favorite 'Stuck a Wand in Troll's Nose'."
"Really? I would have thought 'Youngest Seeker in a Century'."
"Interestingly, 'Modest' was also missing from the list."
His face took on a warm glow as they traded quick smiles. Hermione's eyes narrowed, bouncing between them.
"Look at the time. We'd better hurry Harry, we need to grab our things and head to McGonagall's office," Ginny announced.
A loud slurping noise drew their attention towards the other end of the table. Hermione's face turned red as she looked away in revulsion and crossed her arms.
"Ron!" Ginny shouted. When he made no move to extract himself, she yelled "Oi, Bilius!" and threw a croissant at the pair of them. "It's time to go!" Ron finally removed his face from Lavender and made an obscene hand gesture.
With Ginny distracted, Harry leaned in close to Hermione across the table and whispered: "Hermione. I have some really important news when we get back from break. About Malfoy."
"Fine, Harry," she said and looked determinedly in the opposite direction.
"Let's go, Harry," Ginny mumbled through a bite of croissant. She swung her leg over the bench, placed a hand on Harry's shoulder to hoist herself up. He finished off the contents of his mug and quickly followed.
"Merry Christmas, Hermione!" they both said before jogging out of the Great Hall.
"I'll have to get you into the office to get a cleaning," Dad said.
"Dad, it's as I've said, they have enchantments on the toothpaste that prevent cavities and most gum diseases."
"I'd still like to bring you in, just to check up," he said stubbornly. He'd never been completely at peace with the idea of magical toothpaste replacing much of his practice. "There's no replacement for flossing."
"Dad, there's magical floss," she insisted.
"Hermione, dear, how are your friends at school?" asked Mum, changing the subject.
Her mum was rather traditional, therefore was worried that her two best friends at school were boys. Because of this, Hermione often mentioned Ginny first in letters and when home during the holidays. Detailing stories from school was also a struggle for her, knowing that her parents did not follow the details of most of them. So lately she stuck to describing her professors, pressures of homework, and explained about Slug Club.
"I still think you should try to keep up studies of maths and science. I'm not sure I appreciate that they don't teach you more traditional subjects," said her father.
"Well, what is relevant for witches and wizards is worked into the curriculum. Like Potions and Arthimancy."
Although Hermione explained the mounting tension in the wizarding world, she could tell her parents did not fully take it as seriously as they should. Knowing it would worry them unnecessarily, she also stopped mentioning Harry's connection with You-Know-Who after third year.
"It is getting a bit dangerous to be Muggleborn these days," she had said
Dad clucked his tongue and shook his head, "And in this day and age."
"Should we be worried, dear?" asked her mum, scooping mashed potatoes onto her plate.
"No, Dumbledore has it under control. No one can hurt us while he's headmaster."
"Okay," she said slowly. "Good then! How is that Weasley family? The ones we met …"
Ignorant of prophecies, Death Eaters, and the return of You-Know-Who, her parents believed it all to be an issue of simple bullying or difference of opinion.
Hermione pushed her mashed potatoes around, wondering how or if she'd ever be able to explain the situation she'd got herself into. Having her best friend man-hunted by a Dark Lord. Being somehow involved in potentially deadly situations each year. The fear of her blood status. All of this made her feel distant from her parents. Even so, she could not find it within herself to regret being given a Hogwarts letter. Nor becoming friends with Harry and the Weasleys (well, with the exception of Ronald).