A/n I wrote one more chapter to give it a closure since the story I later wrote, Second Chances, didn't follow this thread too well-

A Bad Friend

No, Ron didn't give up easily. He believed Hermione was his and no Slytherin was taking her away from him. He wanted to talk to Harry, since he was aghast he was also with a Slytherin. He was back only for a few days, lying to Minerva that he would be there the rest of the year. Harry avoided him like the plague. As for Ginny told him to grow up. And why, he asked her, was she okay with Harry going around with the Hermione look alike?

Ginny shrugged, "I think I might like Neville best. We want to see others, and you must quit trying to stir up trouble. Harry told our parents you didn't share Hermione's tragedy; they are upset we hadn't known. They are mad at you; and Dad says you are despicable and a bad friend."

"So, you are friends with her?" Ron inquired.

"Not best friends, but I am invited to her and her cousin's presentation ball. She is working hard to help others see what is needed for the peace. So, keep me out your machinations." Ginny told him.

Ron angered, "Are you now a Pureblood to be invited to a ball?"

Ginny didn't answer and went to sit with Neville. When he tried with Harry, it was the same.

He would go to the library, but she was always with her nasty cousin, the stuffy Pureblood, or with her legion of 1st and 2nd class admirers, or with Adrian. Until he saw Draco looking at her, and as much as he disliked him, Ron recognized an ally. Sure enough, Draco called Adrian an opportunist, finding Hermione after he found out who she was. His father had said so. "Imagine, her uncle told my father we are not a good choice, forgetting I have known her since ever. My father says I should not give up; I won't. According to him, the wizard who gets her would be at the top. Her family has Muggle titles, and they own Muggle lands, since long ago. Ha, ha. My father says only a Malfoy deserves her, and I fully agree; she is not only a beauty, but the best. I cannot imagine why you foolishly let her go."

After talking to Draco, Ron understood Draco was trying to get Hermione for himself, not really a good ally. A day later, when Ron heard about a ball at the Pucey, he figured out it was to announce something. Though nobody knew if there were a special reason for the party, Ron' decided to get an invitation. Not a problem since many witches wanted him. Sure enough, he asked around until he found invited to the ball. The ball was one week before Hermione and her cousin's presentation ball, or the social event of the year. Most last year Gryffindors were invited to the Pucey's ball, along with professors and many more, well maybe everyone but him. The witches couldn't stop talking about it, while giving Ron dirty looks. Ginny had spread gossip about Ron. She liked her social standing, and Fleur advised well; she told Ginny to choose Hermione as she had.

Hermione

She was happy she decided to let a good wizard into her heart. Too bad that Ron's betrayal still hurt, but not so much. She had saved herself, trusting those who care about her. Her family was happy with her choice. They agreed Adrian was a good choice and still talked and laughed at Lucius Malfoy's gall asking for a marriage contract for his son, claiming Draco and Hermione knew each other since 1st class. Her family thought the Death Eaters that had a Dark Mark as dangerous; moreover, they believed that Lucius was the leader of the new merry band. Never mind both Narcissa and Bella had been known be nasty witches. But they had no problems with Andromeda or with Teddy, saying change was needed.

Hermione was very nervous, as the ball approached. She invited Ginny, who was coming but her parents and George, politely, declined the invitation. They were still mourning Fred. Desdemona and her mother went shopping with her; they Portkey to Milan, to the exclusive shop of a designer Wizard, who was the rage in their fashion world. He combined the old with the new and incorporated the up-and-coming Muggle trends. Witches everywhere wanted to wear his robes. Desdemona and Hermione tried their presentation robes and chose robes for the Pucey ball.

Hermione didn't recognize the Pureblood witch in the mirror, but it was her. She realized how much she looked like her family, and smiled, knowing this was her own choice, and she was happy with it; she had done herself good. Both cousins would break many hearts, her aunt told them, and teased Desdemona saying she was next. The parents liked Harry, saying the Potters were suitable and were hoping for a proposal.

Hermione was with Adrian as often as possible, but she also concentrated on her studies. She had decided to study Wizarding Law, and Adrian said they would get a flat near the place she would choose. Hermione liked his kisses and his love. He never put her down, making her see how bad Ron had treated her. Her family was right, forget about him, good riddance to bad rubbish.

At Gryffindor, her witch friends came to admire her robe. It looked like something from centuries ago, but with modern adornments. The witches declared it was made for a fairytale princess, ignoring the daring details like the skirt split to mid thigh and was made of transparent cloth enchanted to tease but reveal little, or reveal more, but only if the witch wanted to do so.

Rob was annoyed listening to the oohs and the admiration. Hermione brought Ginny a brooch from the designer, to wear at the ball. It was made with different semi-precious stones. Ginny ran to show it to her brother, "Ron, this is made by Xavier Molke, the famous Italian designer. When I put it on, the colors of the stones will match my robes. Hermione is taking me and all her friends, to a famous hair witch salon, to get ready for the party. She also brought me a robe for the ball; she said the designer gave her a few for her friends. He is her fan. Fleur is also getting one, and she is sending one to Mom. They are enchanted to fit perfect." Ginny was radiant.

"She is buying you; I see. Paying to justify her treason. I guess you are easy to buy." He continued berating Hermione and Ginny, making Ginny cry, and Hermione to look very unhappy.

Harry came and grabbed Ron by his robes, forcing him to stand up, "Enough is enough, leave Ginny and Hermione alone or else. You are not only a bad brother, but also a bad friend."

Ron pulled his wand, pointing it at Harry, and answered nastily, spit coming out his mouth, "You are a sold out, forgetting I am your best friend, and you choose to go out with a Slytherin from a racist family. I think Hermione is a sla—." Someone sent a charm to seal his lips shut, as Harry was readying to hit him. He knew Ron was calling her a slag,

A scrimmage ensued, well a scrimmage of everyone against Ron, but for a handful of pwitches in love with his fame.

Hermione being Head Girl, had to put an end to it. Afterwards, Neville was consoling Ginny, who sat on his lap crying. He came in late but wanted to hit Ron, feeling murderous. He told Ron he would ask Minerva to send him away.

"No need, I am going home, bunch of traitors. Pureblood lovers, how soon do we forget?" Ron screamed, but nobody listened.

Adrian heard about it and waited for Hermione. She was going home today since the ball was in two days, and she had permission to go. Her cousins were going with her.

Hermione ran to him, and he held her close. "I am so sorry. Where is he at? He is not getting away that easy. Why is he still here? Doesn't he have a contract?"

"I don't know, he said I was a traitor and much more. I am yet to tell him how hurt I am he wouldn't come when my parents were found murdered. He didn't even tell Harry. I have been civil with him, but I refuse to talk to him. He's not my friend, so, why should I? Did you know Draco looked for me to let me know Ron told him some nasty lies about me. I think Draco is trying to show me is a better wizard, and I should consider him instead of you. It is ridiculous that Lucius told my uncle how Draco and I go back along way." She chuckled when she said that, but she was not 100% honest since she had a crush in Draco before.

Adrian laughed, "Hmm, Lucius is unreal, arguing you two go back long way, to what? Ah, I see, a long way to Draco tormenting you since day one. That makes perfect sense. That is solid base for a good marriage." Both exploded laughing, erasing the earlier sorrow.

"All I want is to be me, to make my own choices, good ones, and Ron is not one of them. I would lie if I said it no longer hurts, but it will soon stop. You are the best wizard for me." Hermione kissed his cheek.

They went for a walk, and to find a place to steal a few kisses. Though Adrian suspected Ron was going to do something nasty. He would tell his friends to be alert. Nobody else would hurt his witch, nobody, not even him. Adrian loved her and Ron was the past; and he would make sure it would stay that way. They went to a secluded spot, and Adrian held her and she wrapped her legs around him and her arms around his neck.

He moved her against a tree, his kisses were always restrained, since he knew his self control was not good around Hermione, and Pucey wizards waited for marriage. Hermione wanted more to make sure Ron was gone and kissed him like never before, little bites, licking his lips, kissing his neck. Adrian no longer wanted to wait, and his hand went under her robe.

"Ah, with him you let him shag you, the slag Pureblood you are." Ron said, nastily. Adrian dropped Hermione, and he pulled his wand. Hermione was trembling.

"You don't call my witch names, apologize at once, or you won't like what is coming." Adrian stood in front of Hermione. She noticed Adrian was taller, and his eyes were nearly red.

"I won't. You should know she shagged Harry when I went home while looking for the Horcruxes; Harry told me." He told Adrian.

They hadn't seen Harry, and her cousins, Winslow and Desdemona. They had seen Ron going outside minutes after they saw Adrian and Hermione.

Harry was by Ron in a second, "You liar, I never told you such a lie. Hermione turned me down when I said maybe we should give it a try when you abandoned us. She said she only cared for me as a brother, and she cared for someone else." Harry had hoped for Hermione, and he would always love her; however, she was happy, and he was reasonably happy now, and she was with the one she loved. If she would drop Adrian and choose him instead, he would do it in a heartbeat, though he knew it wouldn't happen so why hope for the impossible. His father, Harry found it, loved Sirius, who was not interested. Sirius loved a Slytherin, a forbidden love. Remus had shared the confidence. Yet, his father had fallen for Lily and was happy.

Ron smiled nastily, "Lie away, she is free with her —," he could not finish because Adrian punched his stomach as Harry punched him on the mouth.

"Leave before I do something regrettable." Harry told him, "I will tell your father what you said today. I know why you came back; your Australian girlfriend sent me a Portkey message. She is quite upset; she is pregnant and says she has not heard from you. She is wondering if your father is sicker and should she come? You told her Arthur was dying. What is wrong with you? I will tell Molly."

Ron stood, looking angry and not afraid. "It is not any of your business, and I stand by what I said."

"I will go by Bill and ask him to give me Veritas Serum, and I demand you do the same." Harry had it.

"No need," Winslow said. He pulled his wand and murmured a spell while pointing his wand at Ron.

"Tell the truth," Winslow demanded, "you cannot lie. It is a family spell, that works like Veritas, but only in those who have lied. If you told the truth; you don't need to worry because you'll have nothing to say."

"I lied so what. But I will make sure others hear it. And let's see what others will think." Ron started screaming, seeing giant spiders floating in the air and started running.

Winslow grinned, "Those who lied, will see what they fear the most whenever they repeat their lies, or get closer to those they lied about."

Hermione smiled; the sadness was gone. Adrian didn't think that was enough punishment. "Mimi, I will see you later, Ron will never speak against you again." He left in a hurry.

Winslow held Hermione's hand, "You need to learn the family's spells, they are handy. And Harry, contact Ron's fiancée and tell her Ron is here. Maybe she should come with her father."

His sister said, "My brother can be quite devious if provoked, but it is a good idea or tell his sister. Mimi, forget about him. My father says the war damaged many. Who knows about him. Let's go, remember my parents are picking us up today. We need to get ready. I am so excited."

Hermione's heart was sad and heavy. "Dessie, I hope you didn't believe Ron."

"Of course not, put it behind it. But we should tell my parents. All we need is he comes at the ball at Adrian's." Her cousin said.

When Hermione went into Gryffindor, Ginny ran to meet her, "Ron is gone. He just left and looked a bit sick and scared. He says he is going to Port Key today. I am glad. Do you know if something happened?"

Harry said, "No idea, we were out together and didn't see him."

At the Ball

Guests were arriving at the Pucey via Floo. Two Floos were open since there were so many guests. Adrian heard Ron was leaving, though he didn't trust him. Lucius was talking to his friend, Adrian's father, to propose a triad. Adrian heard him and rolled his eyes. He cut in, "Lucius, my father can neither decide for me nor for Hermione. Who knows what the future might bring, but I don't fancy sharing my witch; not at this time." Adrian meant it. Once upon a time he would have liked a triad with either Draco or Marcus, but not now, maybe later on.

Lucius smiled, what he heard was that Adrian might be open, good enough for now. Draco would not marry for a couple of years; Lucius knew what to do. First, he would cut all the ties with former Death Eaters, who asked them to lead them. Then, he would divorce Narcissa; she was set on revenge for Bella's death. Yes, he knew what to do.

Adrian waited at the Floo for Hermione. She was still sad about Ron's lies. Her uncle wanted to hex Ron and said to forget him. Adrian smiled from ear to ear when he saw Hermione. He knew other wizards wish they were him, but she was his. His cousins stood near afterAdrian said he didn't trust Ron. He was right. Ron was on his way to his job, and to the witch he had left behind, but before he left he asked a witch to drop a potion on a drink for Hermione. He told the witch he would take her out when he returned.

When all the guests arrived, Adrian's father called everyone's attention. Hermione'a family stood by her, and she stood by Adrian. When the father announced the engagement of his son to Hermione, a shower of fairy light and orange blossoms rained on everyone, dissipating when they touched people and the room filled with its perfume. Adrian held Hermione's hand, his eyes shining with love.

Champagne glasses floated in trays around the room, to cheer for the couple. One of Adrian's cousins saw Ron's witch grabbed two flutes of champagne, and went to Hermione. He saw how something fell out her hand into the drink and ran with his wand out. Too many people in between, but Winslow saw him pointing at Hermione's drink, and he knocked out her hand.

When the champagne fell on the ground, it released a nasty smoke. Adrian's cousin stopped the witch who was running. Everyone wanted to know what happened. Adrian pointed the wand to gather some of the spilled liquid. After it was checked, they found out it contain a potion to make Hermione sick for days. Ron had wanted to ruin her party and her birthday celebration also.

Adrian said, "Don't let him ruin your time. Nothing happened to you; he is a bad person." He said when he saw her sad eyes.

Hermione's uncle told her, "The witches in our families do not cry in front of others. Besides, you shouldn't drop one more tear for that piece of rubbish. Don't let him ruin this special night; he is out of your life forever. He will be punished. He won't get away with doing all of this. I promise you sooner or later we will do something."

Hermione nodded, but deep inside she hurt, once again. She was trying to stop the tears, knowing they were right. She remembered Ron had never been too nice, and she had come a long way. She accepted her uncle's hug. She felt her father and a kiss. She smiled, and said, "Thank you, I know all be well. I am happy with my life. Thank you for being my family."

She saw turned to Adrian, "Let's dance."

He grinned, agreeing with her uncle somehow. He would make sure nothing else happened to his witch. Maybe a future triad would keep Ron at bay. He would not dare to go against the Pucey, the Malfoy, and the Granger. "We can go outside for a kiss or two. What do you say my love?"

The End.