CHAPTER 5 - Ron's Return
Now it was quite clear. Harry and Hermione were in love with one another and neither of them knew how each other felt.
Harry woke up, for the first time in days, feeling rested. He got changed rather quickly as he remembered his success in his task early that morning. One thing that really stood out was Hermione's last comment before they parted.
"Love you,"
"What did she mean by that? Did she really mean the love that I want? Or is it the friendly love that we already have?" he asked himself. "It had to be the friendly kind. Of course it is! She wouldn't have it any other way. God Harry, you need to stop twisting people's words around. It'll make you confused and get you into trouble. Damn her! Why does she keep giving me fake signals like that!?" After a quick splash of water on his face and giving up to tidy his hair he made his way to the common room, bumping into none other than Hermione.
"Morning Harry," she greeted smiling.
"Morning Hermione. How are you?"
"Never better! How about you?"
"Ditto."
"Hey Harry? Is it ok if I tell people that you're going to be my date for the ball?" she asked, looking hopeful that Harry would say 'yes'.
"Ummm…well…I can't say no," Harry replied un easily, "but, why, may I ask?"
"I just want to brag to all the girls that I've got Potter all to myself!" she exclaimed.
"Sure, go ahead Hermione, I don't mind," Harry said, as they both turned the corner and stood next to the doors of the Great Hall.
Time seemed to go by so fast for Harry that he didn't realize that Ron would be returning soon. He and Hermione stood next to the doors, right where Ron said he would be. Sure enough, there was Ron, coming up the stairs toward the Great Hall, dragging his trunk behind him.
"Harry! Hermione!" he shouted as he made his way tirelessly up the stairs.
"Hey Ron!" cried Harry, running over to him to help with the heavy trunk.
"Welcome back Ron!" shouted Hermione, throwing her arms around him. Ron gave a small jump as Hermione hugged him, his eyes shot directly toward Harry, his eyes already beaming at him. Ron mouthed an, "I don't know." to Harry. After Hermione let go of him, they walked back down the corridor, heading to the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry and Ron followed behind Hermione. When Ron knew he was out of earshot from Hermione, he whispered over to Harry.
"Sorry about back there Harry, I had nothing to do with that," Ron said, referring to Hermione's WARM welcome.
"It's ok Ron,"
"So any luck with Hermione, mate" he asked. He was referring to Harry asking her to the ball.
So Harry told him. About the time and patience he took to ask her, with Hermione not objecting to go. Harry just about told Ron everything when they reached the Gryffindor Common room.
"Good job Harry! Knew you could do it!"
Over the next few weeks, Hermione's attitude, to Harry, had changed. She went back into her "Hermione" state. Snapping at Harry and Ron whenever he would not pay attention or study hard in class. She seemed to have forgotten completely about the Yule Ball that she was so excited about. Harry didn't even notice. He was so used to Hermione's usual attitude, it was like second nature.
As Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked down halls to classes, boys would snicker and girls would giggle at them. Harry, seeing the confused look on Ron's face, told him to ignore it.
"Ron, who are you going to the Yule Ball with," Hermione asked, curiously. It would be the first time in a long time she had even talked about the Ball.
"Lavender. Lavender Brown. I was kind of shocked and surprised that she said 'yes'. Thought it would've taken a little more begging. Why? Who are YOU going with Hermione?" Ron asked her, sarcastically, quickly glancing over at Harry and winking.
"Oh!" said Hermione looking taken aback. She was so sure that Harry had already told him. "I'm…I'm going with…"
"Viktor Krum?" finished Ron, pretending. "Don't tell me you've invited him over here!"
"No no. Not him."
"Who then?"
"Harry…" Hermione said, turning bright red.
"Oh really! WOW that's fantastic! Was wondering when you would finally live it up!" Ron said, shaking Harry's hand. He winked at him again. Ron, of course, knew who she was going with. He just wanted the fun of hearing it from Hermione's mouth. "Good job, Harry"
"Thanks, Ron" he said, turning as red as Ron's hair. Hermione had come over to Harry and put her arm around him as if to make it official to Ron that they were going to the Ball together.
"Wicked!" Ron shouted, "you two will be the best looking couple there!"
Harry and Hermione looked at each other and smiled, happy that Ron was just as excited as they were.