CHAPTER 9 – CHARTING A COURSE
With a palpable sense of anticipation, Harry entered the Floo Connection on that particular Saturday, destined to return to Grimmauld Place for his inaugural gathering with the members of the Order of the Phoenix.
While his earlier stay at Grimmauld Place had offered him a limited glimpse into the Order's objectives, the twins' resourcefulness with their Extendable Ears had allowed them to eavesdrop to a certain extent. However, this time, Harry was to be formally inducted into the Order—or, at the very least, considered a prospective member. For a young man like Harry, who had endured a difficult upbringing, this marked a significant and eagerly awaited milestone. He had never before had the opportunity to shape the course of his own life. While he understood that most young people typically followed their parents' guidance, they at least enjoyed more autonomy than he ever had.
His recent betrothal served as an example of his inner turmoil and the loss of agency in his life. Although he comprehended Sirius' reasoning and recognized the conventions of the old-fashioned wizarding society, it didn't make it any easier to have his choice effectively stripped away, irrespective of the potential benefits or well-intentioned motives behind the arranged match. His sole consolation was that it hadn't taken long for him to appreciate Fleur's admirable qualities as a person, rather than merely as an advantageous match. Nonetheless, he still grappled with the idea that he was now bound to her for life.
This meeting marked a significant first in Harry's memory – a moment when he was not only included but also sought after for his opinion. For a young man who was eager to assert himself as a capable individual, rather than perpetually being referred to as "the boy," as his uncle had often labeled him, it was a heady experience.
Exiting the Floo, he stumbled only slightly, a momentary lapse that he couldn't help but take pride in, not to mention feel a sense of relief. Warm greetings awaited him from his companions, which included Hermione, Fleur, and the younger Weasley siblings, all of whom were to participate in the meeting. Neville and Luna, although of age with Harry and actively engaged in training, were temporarily excluded. This exclusion was not only due to their initial lack of knowledge about the Order, but also because Dumbledore had reservations about whether their guardians would approve of their involvement. Depending on their progress and the level of trust they could establish, a topic Harry was confident they would excel at, he planned to approach Dumbledore at the right moment to advocate for their inclusion.
"Harry!" Hermione's exclamation filled the room as soon as he appeared, and he was promptly enveloped in one of her trademark hugs. It was a comforting embrace, much like Hermione herself, he thought.
After the warm embrace from the young brunette witch, he turned to greet the Weasley clan. Ginny's congenial smile, the irrepressible grins of the twins, and Ron's broad smile all welcomed him. Apolline, Jean-Sebastian, Fleur, and Sirius, who insisted on being present, had also arrived via the Floo. With shared smiles between the adults and the younger group, the older members left, leaving Fleur and her betrothed in the care of their friends.
As the group engaged in casual conversation, the topics revolved around the events since their last gathering, almost as if they hadn't seen each other just the day before at Moody's training session. The mischievous twins, however, couldn't resist their chance to tease Harry about his seclusion in the grand mansion with his stunning fiancée. Harry took it in stride and discovered that teasing them back about their own inability to find a "gorgeous witch" effectively halted their banter. The exchange was nothing but playful and friendly, and Fleur's timely display of her charm, reducing the twins to gibbering imbeciles, certainly tipped the scales in Harry's favor.
Their camaraderie was temporarily set aside as Sirius, poking his head into the room after a few minutes, exclaimed, "Showtime, everyone!" with an infectious enthusiasm.
The seven young individuals exchanged eager glances and, as a unified group, made their way out of the room. Grimmauld Place, a vast and gloomy residence, had become somewhat habitable thanks to their efforts at cleaning it earlier in the month. They were led to one of the rooms they had transformed. It was a spacious sitting room, no longer marred by the old, eerie furniture that had been replaced with a collection of chairs and a small, portable lectern tucked away in one corner. All the members of the Order seemed to be present, and while Harry recognized some, like his former Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Remus Lupin, many unfamiliar faces filled the room.
They were guided to a cluster of chairs closest to the lectern, taking their seats with cautious enthusiasm. Harry couldn't help but notice that his friends were as excited and nervous as he was. Regrettably, their first trial commenced almost as soon as they had settled into their seats.
"Ron, what are you and your friends doing here?" Mrs. Weasley demanded, her rising anger propelling her to the front of the room, where she confronted the group of teenagers, hands on her hips and eyes ablaze with fiery indignation.
Ron appeared somewhat taken aback by his mother's displeasure, having witnessed her anger enough times to recognize the potential for a serious eruption.
In response to his friend's apparent discomfort, Harry stepped forward and answered for the group. "We were invited, Mrs. Weasley."
While her eyes narrowed briefly, Mrs. Weasley's expression eventually softened, and she offered a smile. Unfortunately, that smile carried a trace of condescension that immediately irked Harry.
"Harry, dear, there must be some misunderstanding," Mrs. Weasley replied. "This is a meeting of the Order, not a gathering for schoolchildren. You're all too young to be here. Now, run along and entertain yourselves while we discuss our plans. We can address your presence after the meeting."
Jean-Sebastian, however, decided to intervene, stating, "But they were invited." Harry stole a quick glance at his new guardian and, though Jean-Sebastian appeared relaxed in his seat, the intensity of his gaze and the firmness in his voice conveyed his seriousness.
"Your headmaster and I engaged in a substantial discussion on the matter and came to an agreement that these young people are ready to shoulder the responsibility, particularly given that some of them have already confronted your dark lord on multiple occasions," Jean-Sebastian calmly explained.
Mrs. Weasley remained resolute. "They are too young," she insisted. "They shouldn't have to bear the burden that rightly belongs to us as their guardians."
"But it appears that Harry and his friends have been specifically targeted by Voldemort," Jean-Sebastian countered. "As a consequence, they'll find themselves on the front lines of this battle before long. Besides, Harry has confronted—and triumphed over—Voldemort on more than one occasion since his return to your world. Therefore, he deserves to be informed about what's happening. How many times have you faced the Dark Lord?"
Mrs. Weasley's eyes had narrowed to mere slits, her displeasure plain for everyone in the room to see. Jean-Sebastian, however, gave no indication of noticing, and he continued to regard her with an expression that was anything but friendly.
"My wife and I," he stated, motioning to Apolline, "have come to this meeting to determine whether we will support your order. The safety of my family is of utmost importance, as I am certain is the case with your own. So far, I've been impressed with your organization and your methods, but I must say that your attitude is not fostering cooperation."
A loud, disdainful sniff accompanied his words, but Mrs. Weasley, while clearly desiring to argue further, seemed to sense that the argument was not one she would win.
"I'm certain I don't understand how you raise your children in France, but here we don't willingly subject our young to danger when it's our duty to protect them."
Her stern gaze focused on the children. "Harry, I cannot force you to leave due to your guardian," she spat the word with a hint of disdain, shooting a glare at the French ambassador, "but my own children will not stay. Boys, Ginny, Hermione, you should go now and return to your rooms. I'll speak with you upstairs later about your defiance."
"In France, we encourage our children to grow and assume more responsibilities as they mature, allowing them to gain valuable experience, Mrs. Weasley," Jean-Sebastian retorted, his earlier pretense of friendliness vanishing.
"Mrs. Weasley, you are not my guardian," Hermione calmly asserted. "I choose to stay with Harry."
Mrs. Weasley had just turned her attention to the girl when her husband stepped forward, taking her by the arm and guiding her back to her chair. "Dumbledore and Jean-Sebastian discussed the inclusion of the children with me, Molly, and I agreed. Now, let's sit down and await the headmaster."
"Indeed, we did have this discussion, Molly," Dumbledore's voice resonated as he entered the room. "Harry and his friends have exhibited exceptional maturity in facing the challenges they've encountered, and I believe their unique perspective will enrich our discussions."
"Now, if everyone is prepared," Dumbledore continued, moving up to the lectern, "I believe it's time to commence this meeting."
The room fell into silence, and the meeting began, much to Harry's relief. He hadn't anticipated Mrs. Weasley's objections, though in hindsight, perhaps he should have. He recognized that she was a kind-hearted woman with the best of intentions, genuinely concerned for his and others' well-being. However, she was also resolute in her opinions and possessed a strong-willed nature, occasionally coming across as overbearing. He sometimes resented her tendency to believe she knew what was best, even if he acknowledged the warmth and hospitality she had always extended to him, treating him like one of her own. He took no joy in her reprimand but was grateful that all his friends had been allowed to stay for the meeting.
The meeting, contrary to the council of war Harry had envisioned, evolved into more of a general planning session. Security was the initial topic, and for obvious reasons, it was a foremost concern. Grimmauld Place, secured under a Fidelius Charm with Dumbledore as the secret keeper, stood as a bastion of magical protection. The Burrow, the homes of various members, and the Granger residence, however, were considered softer targets that the enemy might exploit. The Ambassador's Mansion was briefly discussed, but with its formidable warding and the presence of French Aurors, it was deemed secure enough for the time being. Additionally, a safeguarded Floo Connection to the French Floo Network provided an escape route in the event of an overwhelming breach.
As for the other locations, it was determined that Bill Weasley, leveraging his expertise as a Gringotts curse breaker, would be tasked with enhancing protective wards at all Order member residences, including Hermione's parents' house. Mad-Eye Moody would assist Bill in this critical endeavor. Furthermore, all members and their families were to carry emergency Portkeys to ensure a rapid escape in case a situation became untenable.
Subsequently, the discussion pivoted to the Ministry of Magic and the anticipated response from Minister Fudge following his defeat in Harry's trial. A tall, dark-skinned man introduced as Kingsley Shacklebolt rose to provide an update on the Ministry's current state.
"To date, Minister Fudge has taken no steps to increase the Auror budget, and the hiring of new Aurors is proceeding as it normally does – meaning there's no allocation for additional personnel to combat the threat posed by You-Know-Who. The official stance within the Ministry is that Harry is spreading falsehoods and trying to incite unrest. Minister Fudge has authorized a press release for tomorrow, aimed at discrediting Harry and reassuring the public that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has not returned, and that we are all safe."
"Is he out of his mind?" a woman from the back row exclaimed.
"No, he's a politician," Sirius replied with a cynical laugh. "Fudge cares only about his public image and the contents of his own coffers, and war isn't good for business. By denying You-Know-Who's return, he can keep the money flowing into his vault."
"Regrettably, it's a pessimistic yet accurate assessment," Dumbledore concurred. "Despite my counsel, Minister Fudge refuses to heed our advice and will take no action that might remotely confirm Voldemort's return. He won't even sanction an investigation into Harry's claims. It's evident that he's chosen to bury his head in the sand and will remain inactive unless compelled to act.
"The Wizengamot is fractured, with very few factions agreeing on any matter, let alone enough to reach a consensus. I've had private discussions with several Wizengamot members over the past few days, and it's clear that I lack the votes to have Fudge ousted from office. Therefore, I believe the responsibility of opposing Voldemort will rest on the Order until we can influence a change in leadership."
A heavy silence settled over the room as the members digested this information. It wasn't entirely surprising, given Fudge's explicit stance, but having it confirmed was certainly unwelcome in every respect.
"For the time being, as Voldemort needs to gather strength and rally his forces, our missions will primarily involve intelligence gathering. However, the longer the Ministry remains idle without making preparations, the more precarious our situation becomes. We must find a way to compel the Ministry to acknowledge the threat, as I'm certain we lack the resources to wage a war against Voldemort on our own," Dumbledore explained.
"It's possible that we might secure Madam Bones' support for a more active response against the Death Eaters," Shacklebolt suggested. "She's pragmatic, no-nonsense, and harbors a degree of disdain for Fudge in general."
"That's an option," Mr. Weasley added, a hint of caution in his voice. "But she would have to tread carefully. If Fudge catches wind of her activities, he might even replace her. To do so now, with You-Know-Who on the rise, would be disastrous."
"I can arrange a discreet meeting with Madam Bones," Dumbledore assured the group. "She will comprehend the importance of maintaining a low profile, and I have every faith in her ability to withstand potential Death Eater attacks for the time being. Is there anything else that anyone wishes to bring up?"
"Sir?" Harry began, a touch diffidently. He felt the urge to share something, but doing so during his first meeting with all eyes on him was a bit intimidating.
"Yes, Harry?" Dumbledore responded kindly.
"I've been thinking, sir—everything I've observed about the Minister suggests that he won't admit he was wrong unless he's compelled to do so. I don't know how, but it's as if he'd need to witness Voldemort firsthand before he'd believe it. Is there a way we can engineer a confrontation?"
Dumbledore remained silent for several moments, and a murmur of speculation rippled through the room. Harry looked to Hermione by his side, noticing her approving smile. He returned the grin and redirected his attention to the headmaster.
"At the moment, it's doubtful that we can lure Voldemort from his hideout," Dumbledore replied, appearing lost in contemplation. "However, that doesn't mean your idea lacks merit. An opportunity may arise at some point, and if it does, we must be prepared to seize it. Excellent thinking, Harry."
Flushed with praise, Harry nodded his gratitude and settled in for the remainder of the meeting. They delved into the Order's strategy and the various assignments that Dumbledore allocated to members of the group. For the time being, it seemed they were in a state of vigilance, waiting to react to the actions of the Death Eaters and to gauge Voldemort's moves. It might not have been the ideal position, but it was the best course of action available at present.
The meeting concluded shortly thereafter, and despite the uncertainty surrounding Voldemort's plans and the Ministry's stance, Harry was convinced that someone was doing their utmost to mitigate the threat. He was particularly pleased that the Order was taking measures to safeguard its members, especially the Grangers, who had no protective wards. He understood how devastated Hermione would be if she were to lose her parents.
Although Mrs. Weasley left the room without uttering a word, her disdainful glance at the children spoke volumes. Harry refrained from sighing; she clung steadfastly to her beliefs, and changing them was a formidable challenge. He chose not to be overly concerned. He had faith that she would eventually come around, and at the very least, he no longer lived at Grimmauld Place, which meant he could avoid her if her attitude remained unpleasant.
In Harry's view, the most enjoyable part of the evening was the conversation that took place between the headmaster and Jean-Sebastian before they returned to the Ambassador's Mansion. He had harbored a profound fear that his guardian might not align with the Order's objectives and would pursue his own course of action, placing Harry in a difficult situation. However, their discussion eliminated any chance of that happening.
"Well, Jean-Sebastian, I hope this meeting has assuaged your concerns and that you will continue to work with us," Dumbledore stated.
Jean-Sebastian smiled at Dumbledore and signified his agreement with a slight bow. "It has. Anything you need from me will be provided."
"Very well, then."
Dumbledore took his leave, allowing the other occupants of the room to disperse and engage in conversations about the meeting. Harry particularly enjoyed sharing a few moments with his friends. Things were looking up, and he eagerly anticipated the opportunity to grow closer to his newfound family.
In another part of the old house, Molly Weasley simmered with frustration over the situation and the derailment of her plans. The most recent incident, in which Mr. Delacour had unceremoniously seated her in front of the children, only fueled her dislike for him. In her eyes, the children were too young, and they needed to step back and allow the adults to protect and care for them, as was their right and duty.
What Molly couldn't bring herself to acknowledge, even internally, was her fear. The scars from the first war were still present, and although she wouldn't readily admit it, she was terrified of enduring the heartbreak of losing another loved one to the accursed dark lord. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had been directly responsible for the deaths of her twin brothers, and the pain of their loss, though time had dulled it, remained keen. She was determined to safeguard the children at all costs, making it difficult to accept that they were growing up and capable of taking care of themselves
The fact that Harry, a young man whom she genuinely cared for, was now in a better home environment was something to be pleased about, despite her personal distaste for the Delacours. He kept a tight lid on his experiences during his childhood, but she suspected that the Muggles with whom he had lived were, at the very least, indifferent toward him, not providing the care and attention he deserved.
However, the thought that if Harry were to leave the Delacours' care, he would not come under hers rankled her. She was far more familiar to the boy than the Delacours and believed she could offer a much healthier upbringing than they could. And then, there was the matter of his betrothal…
The mere notion that Harry was betrothed filled Molly with indignation, especially since it was to that woman! Harry was the perfect match for Ginny! He had saved her in the Chamber of Secrets, for Merlin's sake, displaying his noble and self-sacrificing nature, which was everything Molly wished for her only daughter. In her mind, it had forged an unbreakable bond between them. Of course, it didn't hurt that the boy's social and financial standing would greatly benefit the Weasleys—Harry didn't fully comprehend the stature he held in their world, not only due to his status as the Boy-Who-Lived but also because of the age-old reputation of the Potters, who had always been influential. Their considerable wealth only added to his appeal.
But Harry's status and birthright were secondary to all other concerns. Ginny was her baby, and from the time Ginny was a little girl, she had looked up to the Boy-Who-Lived and dreamed of marrying him. Molly had been determined to help her only daughter achieve that dream, no matter what it required. However, the arrangement with the French witch seemed to shatter that dream, unless Ginny considered entering a multiple marriage with the young man.
She continued to mull over the matter, examining it from every angle she could think of, but no solution presented itself. No matter how she approached the situation in her mind, there seemed to be nothing she could do. Harry Potter was, for all practical purposes, betrothed to Fleur Delacour, and there appeared to be no way around it.
"Come to bed, Molly," her husband's voice interrupted her thoughts. She looked around, noticing the time on the clock, and realized how long she had been brooding about her daughter and the young man she considered almost like a son.
She quickly prepared for bed and joined her husband in their shared bed, pulling the blankets up to her chin while releasing a long, frustrated sigh. Arthur, who knew her better than anyone else, observed her in silence before gently speaking up.
"Molly, I understand you're unhappy about this betrothal, but I genuinely believe it's in Harry's best interest at this point."
"How can you say that?" Molly demanded. "How can that… that… woman be good for Harry, who is the kindest, most gentle boy I've ever met? We know next to nothing about her, Arthur, and being a Veela, she's almost certainly a seductress!"
"You have no basis for such a judgment," Arthur admonished. "From what I've observed, she appears to be reserved and amiable. There's no reason to demonize her."
Arthur regarded her with intent eyes for a moment, and Molly was reminded that, despite his frequent preoccupation with his eccentric interests, he was an intelligent man and not entirely oblivious to what was happening around him.
"Now, what's all this about, Molly?" he inquired. His tone, while gentle and affectionate, also carried an air of authority—he wasn't going to let this issue go without a discussion.
"Arthur, you know Ginny has always looked up to Harry. She's really upset about this betrothal, and I'm upset for her. She and Harry would be perfect together if it weren't for these Delacours meddling."
"Are you forgetting Sirius, love? He was the one who initiated this in the first place."
"Yes, Sirius played a role in it, and even though I don't like it, I understand that he's only trying to do what's best for Harry. But he should have consulted us—what can an unmarried man of his age, who has spent the last decade in prison, know about raising a young boy?"
Arthur let out a sigh and nestled closer to his wife, an embrace she reciprocated, finding some solace in his presence.
"Molly, Ginny hasn't always looked up to Harry—she admired the Boy-Who-Lived. It's only recently that she's started to see him for who he is beyond his fame.
"And, if I may be so bold, I'd like to point out that she seems to be handling this better than you are."
"But, Arthur—"
"No, Molly," Arthur interjected, using a stern tone he rarely directed at her. "You need to step back and let the children live their own lives. If Ginny is meant to be with Harry, I have no doubt that things will work out—they could always consider a multiple marriage, after all.
"And besides, I think you're overlooking the reaction of someone who's much closer to Harry than Ginny has ever been."
Molly turned her puzzled gaze to her husband. "Who do you mean?"
Arthur chuckled softly. "You've been so focused on Ginny that it's no wonder you missed it. Even though she's handled it quite well, I believe Hermione has been just as upset about the betrothal as Ginny, if not more."
"Hermione?" Molly exclaimed.
"Yes, Molly. I think our little bookworm has had feelings for Harry for some time now. If you think about it, it's not that surprising—they've been nearly inseparable."
Was it true? How could she have missed such a thing? Unless, of course, her typically somewhat distracted husband was entirely mistaken. But if he wasn't mistaken, then what about…
"But Arthur, what about Ron?"
"Yes, I've noticed Ron's affection for Hermione as well," Arthur confirmed with a smile.
"Arthur, Ron would be so devastated to learn that Hermione has feelings for Harry. I can't bear to have two children upset."
"You don't have a choice, Molly," Arthur stated firmly. "They have their own choices to make and need to live their own lives. Besides, even with Ron's feelings, I seriously doubt he and Hermione could set aside their frequent disagreements long enough to form such a significant connection. I'm afraid they're not well-matched at all."
It was a difficult truth that Molly had to acknowledge. As much as she loved all of her children, she wasn't blind to Ron's shortcomings, and she understood that a determined and intelligent young woman like Hermione, who shared very few common interests with Ron, wouldn't likely develop romantic feelings for him under these circumstances. Ron had undeniably grown over the years, thanks in no small part to the influence of Hermione and Harry, but he still had room for improvement.
"Now, Molly, I need your word on this—you mustn't interfere. The children must be free to live their own lives and choose their own partners. Let them be, my dear—I believe they will work things out on their own."
Molly whispered her agreement, which appeared to satisfy her husband. In a matter of minutes, he was quietly snoring. Nevertheless, in the back of her mind, Molly couldn't help but continue to worry about the situation, much like a dog with a bone. She was determined to find some way to protect her daughter from heartache, and she knew she had to keep thinking about it.
The week following the Order meeting brought a slight shift in the training program. While Moody continued to emphasize stances, evading curses, and the proper battlefield movements, he also began introducing the group to curses and hexes they would use in dueling. He was blunt with them, explaining that they needed to cover months of training in just a few days because time was of the essence. They wouldn't have the luxury of months of preparation. Once they returned to school, they would need to practice what they had learned, and they could seek guidance from the headmaster (when available) or Professor Flitwick, a former dueling master. Moody promised to continue their training next summer.
Another change was that, starting that week, the entire group Flooed to the Delacour Manor with their trunks. They decided to stay for the entire week rather than returning to Grimmauld Place after their daily sessions. This decision was a joint idea proposed by Fleur and Harry. It gave them more time with their friends and deepened their camaraderie. Harry was particularly pleased to have his friends with him for a longer period, and Fleur, while still getting to know them, welcomed the opportunity to do so more quickly.
By the end of the first week, Hermione had practically moved into the manor, staying away from Grimmauld Place. Her parents had visited the Delacours the day after the Order meeting, with Hermione accompanying them. They also came to stay for the final weekend of the summer. Harry found in the Grangers a couple who genuinely cared about their daughter's happiness and well-being. They had fully embraced her status as a witch, even though it meant less time with their daughter. They immediately took to Harry as Hermione's closest friend, and it didn't take long before he was calling them by their first names—William and Elizabeth.
The decision for the Weasley children, particularly Ron, to return home after their training sessions instead of staying with the Delacours during the final weekend of summer was a cause of discontent within the group. Mrs. Weasley reluctantly allowed her children to stay at the Delacours' during the week, but she drew the line at them missing her during the weekend. Although she cited the reason that she wouldn't see her children again until Christmas, it was evident that her dislike for the Delacours played a significant role in her decision. She barely tolerated her children training with the foreign members of the group.
The twins accepted their mother's decision stoically. They reasoned that they could plot their pranks from Grimmauld Place more effectively. Ginny, while disappointed, remained philosophical about it. She would be with her friends, including Harry, for the next several months, and she looked forward to spending more time with her parents.
However, Ron was not as understanding. He was deeply unhappy about his request being denied and voiced his complaints at length. His mother remained resolute, and Ron spent the entire weekend at Grimmauld Place, seething with anger over the missed opportunity to spend time with Hermione and imagining what Harry might be up to in his absence.
Meanwhile, Hermione had her reservations about Ron. He had seemingly changed overnight, and although the change could be seen as an improvement, it felt somewhat forced to her. Ron had become more considerate of her feelings, rarely engaging in arguments with her. There were moments, though, when he appeared on the verge of an outburst but reined in his natural tendency. Most of the time, he was attentive to Hermione, offering compliments and giving her small, awkward gifts. It was as if he had someone coaching him and was now determined to pursue her. This sudden shift in his behavior was disconcerting to Hermione, who had rarely attracted such attention in the past. However, it did feel good to have someone act that way toward her, even if she had no intention of becoming romantically involved with Ron. She firmly believed that they would not make a good couple.
Neville and Luna, in their own world to some extent, didn't fully perceive the subtle undercurrents of tension between certain members of the group. Their relative newness to the group, in addition to their unique perspectives, contributed to their obliviousness. In contrast, Fleur had developed a somewhat wary relationship with Ginny initially, owing to Ginny's intense jealousy of the older witch. This jealousy, however, began to wane as Ginny realized that Fleur was not to blame for the betrothal arrangement. Fleur, too, made an effort to get to know Ginny, which helped smooth out their relationship. As they got to know each other better, their mutual respect and friendship grew.
In contrast, Hermione and Fleur quickly formed a close friendship. They found common ground despite their differences and similarities. Both had experienced feelings of isolation in their pasts—Fleur due to her Veela heritage and Hermione due to her exceptional intelligence. Additionally, their shared concern for Harry's happiness created a strong bond between them.
Overall, while there were some initial tensions and insecurities among the group members, their shared goals and the time they spent together during training helped them build camaraderie and understanding.
Ron's frustration was reaching its peak. He had read the book on wooing women and had meticulously followed its instructions, but he couldn't seem to make much headway with Hermione. While she did appear to appreciate his efforts, he felt like something was missing, and he couldn't pinpoint what it was. Hermione seemed to be growing closer to Harry, and their relationship was flourishing, making Ron even more frustrated and tongue-tied around her.
As Ron sat in the library, nursing his thoughts and silently brooding, Harry approached him, sensing his friend's unease.
"Ron, is everything alright?" Harry asked, concerned.
Ron let out a sigh and ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "No, Harry, it's not. I've been trying to get Hermione to see how I feel, but it's just not working. It's like she's growing closer to you, and I'm just stuck."
Harry thought for a moment, then offered his advice. "Ron, maybe you're trying too hard. Hermione's a great friend, and it's possible she's just not used to seeing you this way. Sometimes, the best relationships start as friendships. Just be yourself and let things develop naturally."
Ron looked at Harry, appreciating his support. "Thanks, mate. I guess I've been overthinking this whole thing. I'll give it a try."
Harry smiled and patted Ron on the back. "That's the spirit. And remember, you're a great guy. Just be genuine, and things will work out."
Ron nodded, feeling somewhat reassured, and resolved to take a more relaxed approach to his feelings for Hermione. He hoped that their friendship could evolve into something more in due time.
Harry, who was busy tying his shoe, glanced up at Ron, puzzled. "Hermione? What about her?"
Ron's face turned a bit red, and he struggled to find the right words to express his feelings. "Well… I was just wondering…"
Harry, still genuinely confused, tilted his head, waiting for Ron to continue.
"Are you and Hermione… you know…" Ron's voice dropped to a whisper. "Are you dating?"
Understanding finally dawned on Harry, and he chuckled softly. "Oh, Ron, no, we're not dating. Hermione and I are just really good friends."
Ron couldn't hide his relief but still felt a bit uncertain. "Oh, alright. It's just that sometimes it seems like you two are really close, and I wasn't sure..."
Harry clapped a hand on Ron's shoulder, smiling. "I get it, mate. We've been through a lot together, and that's why we're so close. But you have my word, there's nothing romantic between Hermione and me."
Ron's face brightened, and he looked relieved. "Thanks, Harry. I just didn't want to be in the way or anything."
Harry grinned. "You're not in the way, Ron. We're all friends, and there's nothing to worry about."
As the two friends walked toward the dining area together, Ron felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. He realized he had jumped to conclusions about Harry and Hermione, and it was a relief to know that he still had a chance with Hermione, without any competition from his best friend.
Ron's face flushed with frustration as he tried to find the right words to express his feelings. "What is your relationship with her?" he finally blurted out, wincing at how awkward and direct his question sounded.
Harry, looking puzzled, responded, "My relationship? I'm not sure what you're getting at, Ron. Hermione is my friend, and I'm grateful for her support, but we're just friends."
Frustration and confusion filled Ron as he pressed on, "But you told her last week that she was your best friend! What did you mean by that?"
Harry's expression shifted, and he stared at Ron with a hint of annoyance. "Ron, I didn't know you were eavesdropping on our private conversations."
Ron's determination to get to the bottom of things overrode his embarrassment. "Just answer the question, Harry!"
Harry rose from his seat, his tone growing more stern. "Hermione is my best friend."
Ron's jaw dropped, unable to believe what he had just heard. "But Harry, I'm your best friend! We've been through everything together—best mates and all. How can you say that Hermione—a girl—is closer to you than I am?"
Harry's response was laced with sarcasm. "Do the Triwizard Tournament and your behavior during that time mean anything to you, Ron?"
Feeling a rush of embarrassment, Ron looked down, realizing he had been inconsiderate and rude during that period. He had assumed that Harry had forgiven him for his actions, but perhaps it still lingered as a point of contention between them.
Harry's stern expression softened as he continued, "Listen, Ron, I don't hold that against you, but since you asked, I'll tell you. Hermione never doubted me, while you wouldn't talk to me for over a month, even though I kept saying I didn't want to be in the tournament. I didn't even enter my name. To be honest, that's not the only time."
Surprised, Ron looked up at Harry, sensing the sincerity in his words.
"Ron," Harry continued, "you've had your moments when you've been, well, unreliable, not just to me but also to Hermione. I consider you a friend, Ron—a best friend, in fact. I know that even when you act like a prat, you eventually come around. But waiting for that to happen can be frustrating. That's why Hermione is my best friend. She's never put me through that. The only time we've ever had a real fight was when she turned in my Firebolt in third year, and she did that to protect me because she was worried I might get hurt."
Feeling embarrassed, Ron reflected on what Harry had said and realized it was true. There had been instances when he'd been jealous and treated Harry poorly. He knew that if he wanted to maintain their friendship, he needed to work on improving his behavior.
"I'll do better, Harry," Ron mumbled, hoping Harry would accept his sincere promise.
Harry offered a friendly grin. "I know you'll try, Ron. Just remember, sometimes it's not easy being Harry Potter."
Harry's infectious smile returned, and he let out a good-natured chuckle. "So that's what this is all about. You think I fancy Hermione?"
"Is that so wrong?" Ron challenged.
Harry's expression turned serious, and he spoke calmly. "Doesn't matter, does it, Ron? I'm bound by a marriage contract with Fleur. Hermione..."
He paused when mentioning Hermione, and Ron eyed him suspiciously. It was becoming apparent that Harry might indeed have feelings for Hermione, which Ron didn't find comforting.
"Even if I do have feelings for Hermione, I can't act on them because of my contract with Fleur, can I? Do you think I'd betray either Fleur or Hermione like that? Or that Hermione would even accept such an arrangement? What's going on in your head, Ron?"
Ron couldn't help feeling a pang of regret and guilt for bringing up this uncomfortable topic, but he needed to know where he stood.
"I'm sorry, Harry," Ron admitted, his voice contrite. "I just... I've been trying to figure out where I stand with Hermione, and when I saw you two getting so close, I got a bit... jealous, I suppose."
Harry's expression softened, and he patted Ron on the back. "Ron, it's natural to feel that way. But you have to talk to Hermione about your feelings. It's the only way to clear things up."
Ron sighed and nodded, realizing that Harry was right. "You're right. I'll talk to her."
"Good," Harry said, offering a reassuring smile. "And remember, I'm here to help if you need it."
The tension between the two friends eased as they discussed their feelings. While there were some uncertainties and misunderstandings, the bond between them remained strong, and they continued to support one another.
Ron nodded, recognizing the wisdom in Harry's words. He had allowed his jealousy and insecurities to affect his friendship with Harry, and it was time to make amends. Harry was right; he should be honest with Hermione about his feelings and not let his emotions fester.
As they finished dinner and the conversation turned to lighter topics, the tension between Ron and Harry began to ease. Ron appreciated Harry's patience and understood that his friend had his own challenges to navigate. He resolved to focus on building a stronger connection with Hermione and putting his best foot forward, whether in friendship or something more.
The evening continued with laughter, stories, and shared moments, a testament to the enduring bonds of their friendship, even amidst the complexities of their changing relationships and the looming threat of Voldemort.
With their conversation behind them, Harry and Ron joined the others for dinner, the tension that had briefly arisen between them now dissipated. Ron's confidence in pursuing Hermione was bolstered by Harry's reassurance that he had no romantic interest in her. The group's laughter and camaraderie filled the room, reminding them of the importance of their friendships as they faced the challenges that lay ahead.
As they shared a meal and enjoyed the company of their friends, Ron was determined to take Harry's advice to heart and have an open and honest conversation with Hermione. The evening marked a new beginning in more ways than one, as they navigated not only their changing relationships but also the impending threat of Voldemort.
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