Chapter 11 - Hogsmeade Weekend
The remainder of September passed without fanfare. The DA had resumed with increased membership and vigor. The first Hogsmeade weekend was approaching soon, and was greatly anticipated by the third year students and even the older students.
"Hermione, the first Hogsmeade trip is in a week, could we go there, together, alone?"
"Hermione, do you want to go to Hogsmeade with me this Saturday?"
"Hermione, care to join me at Hogsmeade?"
"Ron, what are you doing?"
Harry had been watching his friend rehearse in front of the mirror for fifteen minutes, making a total fool of himself.
"Umm… I, err, well I wanted to ask Hermione out, on a real date."
"Just ask her. Look, we both know her as well as anyone. If you really like her that much and she likes you like that, then what's the problem?"
"I don't know if she has the same feelings for me."
"I know how you feel." Harry whispered under his breath.
"What'd you say?"
"Nothing, I didn't say anything. So just ask her, what do you plan to do anyway?"
"I thought we'd go to the three Broomsticks and have a couple butterbeers."
"And they say romance is dead. What are you going to do after that?"
"Dunno. Just see what happens."
"Good luck, mate. Just remember, it's Hermione. Just don't do anything stupid, ok?"
Ron left his dorm room to find his other close friend in the common room, studying as usual. "Hermione, we haven't talked about this for a while, but…"
She knew what was coming, and was still unsure of her feelings toward Ron, romantically.
"I was wondering," he continued. "Can we spend the day together?"
"Of course, why would I-"
"Alone, I meant. I thought we could make a formal date of it." He held his breath, in anticipation of her reply.
"Ron, as I said before, I don't want to ruin our friendship. I think you're a really great guy, but are you sure how you feel? Are you sure I'm right for you?"
"How about we give it a try? I'm willing to give it a go. One real date, that's all."
"Ron," she took his hand and pulled him down next to her, "I truly do love you as a friend, and maybe we could become more, sometime, but not now. My studies are one of the most important things in my life right now, as are you and Harry."
"I guess I understand that there are some things that are more important to you. I need you to know how important you are to me."
He leaned closer, poised to share a first kiss.
"Ron, you're very important to me. I do love you, as a friend. You've always been there for me, and Harry. You've saved my life while risking you own."
"Then, why not give us a chance?" He leaned in closer, and as he went to meet her lips, she turned her head where he caught her cheek.
"Ron, please."
Hurt and dejected he backed from her, looked down to where his hands were holding hers,
"I guess you're not over Krum. I'm sorr---"
She cupped his face in her hands and pulled his lips to hers for a first tentative kiss. "I'm NOT thinking of him, I just don't think we're ready for this. But I will go to Hogsmeade this weekend with you. Maybe we can enjoy ourselves."
"WHOOO-HOOO!" he shouted as he jumped up.
She put her face in her hands and shook her head at the embarrassing display.
"I'll go, ONLY if you BEHAVE yourself, RONALD!"
"You'll not be sorry, I mean it. I thought first we could go to Madam Puddifoot's for lunch, then see it there's anything new at Scrivenshaft's if you like."
"Hmmm, I guess that would be ok. Just nothing too silly from Zonko's, OK?"
He leaned in for another kiss, and was again presented with a cheek. "I really have to finish this essay for Charms class, which you should be working on too."
"I will, later. I've got to meet Harry at the Quidditch pitch to practice some moves he's read."
"Fine, Ronald."
He literally floated out of the common room and out the portrait door; this was what he's wanted for a while. He always had known she was very special, and that's why be believed he was in love with her. She was always the smartest witch in the class, and since the summer, she's grown into a real beauty. He couldn't believe he was dating a gorgeous creature, and she actually kissed him. Well he kissed her, but that's close enough.
Harry wandered down the stairs shortly after Ron left, and spotted Hermione still writing. He stood in the entranceway thinking he wanted to sit and tell her everything that he had bottled up inside, to clear the air and bridge the last gap that remained in their friendship, everything he's already told Ginny. He was still feeling his depression, but the advice all his friends had given was right. Sharing did lessen the burden he carried. This last bridge will just wait to be crossed. As if a spell had been suddenly lifted, he felt a familiar touch on his shoulder.
"You ok, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, I was thinking."
"You need to stop doing that. It'll only get you in trouble."
He looked at her with a smirk for that comment, as she put her arm around his waist and pulled him through the common room toward the portrait. That's when Hermione glanced up to see them, her arm around him, and his arm nervously around her shoulder, as if he wasn't sure where else to put it. Ginny seemed to know when he was in need of even a simple hug. That was the comfort he sought, and she was the only one willing to give that affection. It was a comfortable situation for both, not quite a relationship, but more then a friendship.
As they walked together, not really with any direction, he asked her a question, "Gin, are you going to Hogsmeade next weekend?"
"Well, I was going to go with a couple friends, and just hang around. Why, love?"
"I thought we could spend a quiet day together there and talk, if you want to that is."
"Harry. I'd love to spend the day with you. I love you, you know."
"Yeah, I know." He leaned over and gently kissed the crown of her head as they walked. The stares from their classmates had almost disappeared. Everyone had gotten use to them as a couple.
Over the past month they had been together, she knew how he felt about her. But that didn't discourage her from trying. He hadn't done anything to her, but let her love him. The guilt he felt for using her was still bothering him and he needed share that with her. As bad as his depression had been, the feeling that he was using his best friend's sister was worse; she deserved someone that would return the love she gave.
- - -
The day Ron had been waiting for finally arrived. He was actually going to have his first romantic date with the girl he'd know for more then five years. The plan was simple; a nice lunch for two at Madam Puddifoot's followed by a leisurely walk through the village. Harry dreaded the day as much as his friend anticipated it. He had a task he felt he must perform.
While the other students were merrily enjoying themselves, Harry and Ginny walked to the same destination as the others. Ron and Hermione walked a bit ahead of them. Ron kept trying to walk with her hand in his, but she kept pulling away at each advance. Ginny was luckier, she snaked her arm around Harry's waist as soon as they left the school. She adored him and gladly took any chance to be with him she could. They turned down the street toward the Shrieking Shack. It still had the reputation of being haunted, but there were several people that knew better, and two of them were walking in that direction.
Harry and Ginny walked together just past the shack to a clearing near a fountain. It was a quiet place he liked to come and sit alone, to work out his problems and think things through. Most of the time he used his invisibility cloak so he wouldn't be disturbed. This time he was with a girl, a very attractive one that cared for him and was in love with him. That day was a huge turning point for them.
"Gin, can we sit here?"
"What's wrong, love? You look worried." She sat next to him, taking both his hands in hers. She rubbed his hands with hers just to feel his skin against hers.
He stared into her eyes; she could feel herself melt on the inside. His gaze began to grow cold and still, as he looked down and began his task.
"Gin, this isn't good for you. I can't keep like this with you, you deserve more then I can give."
"No, Harry. I'm happy like this. I told you that, I'll be there for you, no matter what."
"Gin, it's not fair, it's not right. You need someone that can love you back. I-I'll never be able to feel that again."
"Don't think that way, Harry." She felt herself began to choke as she spoke, but she hid it from him.
"Gin, we shouldn't be together. I want you to live a happy life. You'll never have that with me. There's been too much pain in my life; I'll never be able…"
"Sniff… Yes you will, Harry, please don't… give up on… us. I don't want you to."
"Ginny, there's really nothing else left. It's not fair for you."
"So, you're being noble, giving up because you don't think I can deal with a one-way relationship. I admit, it's not fun all the time. But, Harry, I've been in love with you forever, please don't do this."
"Ginny, I don't love you. Not like you deserve. I don't want you to get hurt because of me. Enough people have died and gotten hurt because of me already, I don't need more."
"Please, Harry, You don't need to worry about me getting hurt. I love…"
"No, Ginny, please understand. I'll always be your friend, but you need to find someone else. Please, this is hard for me too."
The tears sparkling in her eyes seized his thoughts, he wondered if this was the best thing to do. He couldn't have her getting hurt or killed because of him.
"Harry, I don't know why you're like this. Why did you want to hurt me like this?"
"Gin, I never misled you, I was always honest with you. Hell, I've told you more then I've told anyone, even Ron or Hermione. Just promise me one thing: Stay away from diaries."
"Harry…" she let out a snort in between her sniffles, she knew what he meant.
"I meant what I said before, though, do you want to spend the rest of the day with me, just as two friends?"
"Sniff… I… think I'd like to be alone for a while."
"I understand. I'll be at the Three Broomsticks for a while, if you want to join me, I'll be there. I want to make sure you get back ok."
"So you break up with me and then you're worried about me?"
"Gin, I've always been worried about you. I only want you to get back the love you deserve. I can't do that. Bye, Ginny."
He gave her one last kiss, a sweet light kiss on her cheek that sent a charge through her. She still loved him and wanted him to stay and hold her, tell her he was wrong. Instead he stood and walked away. He walked out of her life as if he had left a room. She sat there most of the day and couldn't stop her sobbing. No one saw her and no one offered any comfort.
- - -
While one young couple was in crisis, another was attempting to begin.
Ron and Hermione walked past the street to the Shrieking Shack, heading to Madam Puddifoot's where Ron planned to have lunch. Since it was still early, they stopped at Honeyduke's. Ron picked up a few Chocolate Frogs, saying they were for Harry when they got back.
"Is there anywhere special you want to go lo…"
"DON'T say it."
"Umm Hermione?"
"No, not really, maybe to Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop for some new ink, I've run out again."
"Figures..." He muttered under his breath.
"What?"
"Umm…nothing… Here we are the Quill shop." The split second he went to reach across her for the door, she did the same.
WHACK! Hermione fell backward when their heads banged each other.
"OW!!" she cried as she grabbed her head.
"Hermione! I'm soo sorry, I was just…"
"I know what you were trying to do… next time just wait." She continued to rub her head as he offered a hand. "No, thanks, I can manage."
'Stupid… stupid… stupid…' He kept saying to himself. 'It's only Hermione, don't be such a wreck.` "Umm, here." He finally managed to open the door trying to be a perfect gentleman. She slipped past him, still rubbing her head.
He followed behind her, watching his step, the make sure he didn't step on her heels. He should have also been watching where he was going, or more precisely, who was approaching. Marietta walked toward him, reading the caution label on a bottle on indelible ink.
CRASH!
He walked headlong into the Ravenclaw, sending the bottle flying from her hands. His aim was impeccable, the contents landed square on Hermione's shoulder, running down her back staining her jumper.
"RONALD! You CLUMBSY git! Look what you've done, it's RUINED!"
"Hermione, I'm sorry, I didn't see Marietta. She just came from 'round the corner."
"Sure, Weasley, blame it on me, I'm not the one staring at the floor. I had that ink special ordered; it's supposed to permanently mark these sweat-shirts I bought."
"Oh, miss, you'd better get that off before it stains your skin, here use the back room to change."
"Hermione, take one of these shirts, I'll get it from you later."
"Thanks Marietta, and YOU Ronald, I'll deal with you in a moment." She turned to change into the borrowed shirt, leaving an embarrassed and stunned Weasley alone in the shop.
Within a couple minutes she returned wearing a large baggy shirt, carrying the formerly pink wool sweater. "It's absolutely ruined. I tried a couple cleaning spells, and NOTHING…"
"Hermione, I'll have me mum clean it, I'm sure…"
"Forget it. It's done. Now can I get the ink I need?"
"Umm sure. I'll wait outside."
Ron left the shop to wait for his 'date' and hopefully to stay out of any more trouble. Within five minutes she had a small sack containing the ink she needed and her sweater.
"Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" He asked sheepishly as he held out his arm as if to escort her down the street.
"Humph…" she mumbled as she continued walking.
"Look, I SAID I'm sorry…"
"Forget it Ronald. Let's just forget it, ok?" Part of her wanted to just run for her life back to Hogwarts, part of her wanted to try again knowing how much this meant to him. She paused for a step or two to let him catch up. "I know it wasn't your fault. It's just that was a new sweater I got for my birthday. Let's just try to get through the day, ok?"
"Umm, sure, it's almost noon anyway, why not go to Madam Puddifoot's for lunch?"
She thought about the offer, and rationalized it; going to Madam Puddifoot's was like announcing to the rest of the school they were dating. 'No, not yet.' she thought. "I'd rather go to the Three Broomsticks," she told him.
"Ok, I guess that'll be ok too." The disappointment in his voice made her want to rethink her decision, but she stuck to it as they walked to the tavern to try and survive the rest of the day.
They entered the crowded tavern and found a table, thankfully she thought, in the back. 'This shouldn't be to hard,' Ron thought, 'we've been here together a number of times before.'
"Hermione?" He pulled her chair out the assist her in a gentlemanly manner, and gently pushed it in as she sat. 'So far so good,' he thought. "What would you like? I'll go fetch it."
"Umm, maybe a butterbeer to start with and a corned beef sandwich."
"I'll go order it, sit tight lo…'
"RONALD!"
"Alright…"
He waded through the crowd to place their lunch order, and quickly returned with two drinks.
"Here, lunch will be in a few minutes." He took the seat next to her to try and salvage this as a romantic lunch. He scooted his chair closer to her, so they could talk without having to yell across the table, and because he wanted to be closer to her. He sat holding his drink, longing to take her hand into his, and looked to her. She was sitting with her hands folded, trying to think of some safe conversation. He looked into her eyes, and for once she didn't turn away.
"Hermione, I think you know how I feel about you. I haven't been able to…"
"WHAT? It's too loud in here."
"I SAID…"
"Ronald, Granger…" a familiar voice broke the moment. "Neville, over here they have a couple empty seats. Luna called to their classmate. "Ooo… a butterbeer, I'm parched." She said as she picked up Hermione's drink and downed it in one gulp.
"What're you two doing here alone? Where's Harry?" Neville asked.
"Umm, he's with Ginny. Hermione and I came here for a quite lunch." Ron stated, mildly agitated.
"Oh, then you shouldn't mind the company. We just got here, spent all morning at Zonko's. Ron, are you going back out as Keeper? I thought you were just wonderful last year." Luna's gaze at Ron since she sat down never broke once. "I can't wait to watch you play again. Really."
"Uhhh, thanks, but really, we were…"
"About to map out some plans for the DA this year, since we're resuming it." Hermione broke in.
"So what are the plans? I'm really excited about it this year, don't you think it'll be a real hoot to learn more then that stick in the mud, Professor Thomas is teaching us? Who's going to lead if Harry drops out? How about you Ronniekins?"
"Luna, I'm not interested in run…"
"Nonsense 'Ronniekins' you'd be a perfect stand-in until Harry is up to it." Hermione jumped in, again, not giving him a chance to back out.
"Hermione, I REALLY don't WANT TO DO IT!"
"WHAT? You said YOU REALLY WANT TO DO IT?" Luna cheered. "Great! You guys hear that? He'll run the DA this year AND be the best Keeper in school!" She sat there with a dreamy look, and began humming her favorite tune 'Weasley is our King'.
"I SAID… oh stuff it…"
"Ron, our lunch is here." Hermione nudged him as the waitress deposited the two sandwiches on the table.
"Ohh, great, I'm starved. Thanks Ronniekins." Luna sang as she grabbed half of his sandwich. He slumped back into his chair, with a totally defeated look, as Hermione saw the humor in the day's defeat.
She leaned over and whispered over the tavern's din, "That's ok, you can have my sandwich. It seems this wasn't meant to be."
He looked at her and half smiled, "Since things flopped, how about meeting after dinner? I really wanted this to be special."
Trapped. She knew he was down and couldn't stand to beat him up, since really nothing was his fault. "Ok, after dinner tonight."
Feeling some hope, he sat up and tried to make the best of the rest of the afternoon.
- - -
Dinner at the Great Hall for the couple was a subdued affair, Ron finished quickly in anticipation of finally showing her a perfect day. She however sat and picked her meal to death. When she realized she couldn't delay the inevitable much longer, she looked to him, "Ok, dinner's over, where did you want to go?"
"Well, I thought a quiet walk around the lake."
"Ok, that's fine." She said relaxing a bit.
They stood from the table, Harry watched in silence from his seat as they left, Ginny was still in her room, and he knew why. He sat there and watched his last two friends disappear together.
Ron and Hermione walked from the Great Hall to the court yard. Ron again tried to take her hand as they walked, this time she didn't pull away, and walked in silence.
"Hermione, I'm sorry things weren't perfect today, I wanted this to be a day we'll remember."
"I'm sure we'll never forget it Ronald." she said mildly sarcastically.
He knew when she used his name in that tone, he was in trouble.
"I had one last surprise, come on." He led her down past the castle to the Quidditch pitch, where he produced a broom. "I thought we could fly in the moonlight." He announced.
"I don't think this is a good idea, I really don't like to fly, you know that."
"It's ok, Hermione, I'll do the flying, you just sit tight." At this point she was beginning to feel sorry for Ron, all his plans to woo her today went poorly.
"It's against my better judgment, just don't do anything stupid."
"I just want to take you soaring in the moonlight."
With that, they mounted the broom, and Ron kicked off the ground with Hermione hanging on for dear life. His first maneuver was a simple one, a simple loop. She tried to hold her screams in as long as she could, but as he went faster to complete the loop she lost control just as they hit the top of the loop.
"ROOOOONNNNNN! STOOOOPPPPPPP!"
He couldn't hear her due to the rushing wind. He leveled out and started a spiral, climbing higher and higher. To a Quidditch player, this was 'child's play'. But she wasn't a Quidditch player. She was a witch that was afraid to fly on a broom. How ironic.
She screamed at him again when she saw how high they were, "RONALD, GET ME DOWN, NOW!"
That time he heard her. He slowed down and started to descend. As soon as they touched down, she literally fell off, and stood, with knees still shaking. "DAMN you Weasley, you KNOW I hate to fly. What EVER possessed you to think I'd enjoy this?" She turned in a huff, and left him jaw-slacked standing in the middle of the pitch.