A/N: I guess I had most of you fuming by the time you finished reading chapter four. If all of you felt like that just by reading Ron/Hermione, imagine what it would have been for me to write. I'll be honest. It was YUCK!!! However while writing a story one has to go through these phases. On popular demand, I've reduced Ron/Hermione from three chapters to two. They will breakup sometime during the next chapter. I wanted to show the mismatch between Ron and Hermione. That starts in this chapter. As usual I'd like to request all of you to review. Please…
Chapter Five: Life Goes On
"Welcome back to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall, after the sorting ceremony ended. "I'm so glad that after the uncertainties of last year all of us are together again. We owe this to Mr. Potter." The hall erupted with claps. Harry looked embarrassed but managed to smile.
"A lot of changes have taken place in the faculty this year. I would like all of you to listen to me before welcoming our new teachers. Due to the sad demise of Professor Dumbledore I have had to take over as Headmistress, with Professor Sprout as my deputy. So in my place Nymphadora Tonks will be teaching Transfiguration. Our Potions master Horace Slughorn had specially come back from retirement for last year. He will not be with us this year. His place will be taken over by someone special. During the holidays famous aurors Frank and Alice Longbottom recovered after spending fifteen years at St. Mungos. While Frank has decided to back to his old job, Alice has kindly agreed to teach Potions here. Finally I'd like to welcome back Remus Lupin as the teacher of Defense Against Dark Arts. Professor Snape after an early retirement has settled down in New Zealand. I'd also mention that Professor Longbottom and Professor Lupin will be the heads of Gryffindor and Slytherin respectively. Now please welcome our new teachers with a bid round of applause," McGonagall announced.
The three new Professors walked into the hall shaking hands with McGonagall. Harry's thoughts wandered away to many different things. He was elated to hear about Neville's parents. Neville had been his loyal friend throughout his years at Hogwarts. However he was angered to hear that Snape had got away after killing Dumbledore. He couldn't wait to confront McGonagall about this. He was glad to see Remus and Tonks in the faculty. It looked like they finally had a good set of teachers. McGonagall continued speaking.
"Now for something you all must have been waiting for. Head Boy and Head Girl! Well, the choice of Head Girl was one of the easiest in the history of Hogwarts. I and my fellow colleagues have unanimously chosen Hermione Granger as the new Head Girl. Miss Granger if you can come up and collect your badge," she said.
Hermione covered her face with her palms. Ron hugged her and kissed her cheek. Harry thumped her on the back. Hermione shyly collected her badge from McGonagall. Ron looked at her proudly. His heart was beating fast. The announcement of the Head Boy would be next. He was one of the frontrunners for the post. It would be wonderful to share the Head student's quarters with her. He looked up anxiously at McGonagall. If only she would make him Head Boy…
"On the other hand the choice for Head Boy was very difficult indeed. It is common belief that only a prefect can become a Head Boy. But that is not true. This year we have a non prefect as our Head Boy. I'd like to ask Harry Potter to come up please," she said.
Harry wasn't all that surprised. It was only special circumstances that prevented him from being a prefect. He did have a reasonably good academic record. He happily walked up to McGonagall to collect his badge. Hermione hugged him when he came back to his seat. Ron shook his hand. Harry didn't see the disappointed look on his face. McGonagall clapped her hands and food appeared on the table. Almost everybody ate hungrily. Nobody noticed Ron was for once nibbling at his food. After food was finished Professor Longbottom walked towards them.
"Hello! I just saw Harry and Hermione. You must be Ron. Neville speaks so much about the three of you. As the head of Gryffindor I need to take Harry and Hermione to the Head's quarters," she said. The two of them got up to follow her. That was when Harry noticed the look on Ron's face. Harry knew that expression. Ron was jealous. He decided to deal with that later. They entered into the Gryffindor common room. Professor Longbottom tapped the wall with her wand. A door appeared.
"This door will be visible to the two of you only. Soon it will be password protected. The quarter decides on its password every year. This password will be strictly confidential. Not even the teachers are to know it. There is a fireplace connected to the Headmistress' office in case of emergencies. Both of you have separate bedrooms and bathrooms. There is a common room for both of you to study. As you get inside the magical quill lying on the common room table will write the password," she said, making way for them to go in.
"Professor Longbottom, we are glad to have you here. I hope you enjoy being with us. Neville must be ecstatic with your recovery," Harry said, trying to make a good impression on his new Potions teacher.
"Thank you for that. Neville is very pleased as expected. Frank and I are also very happy to be in the thick of things once again," she replied before waving at them and walking away. Harry and Hermione walked to the common room table. The quill floated in the air. It looked as if it was thinking. Harry was reminded of the sorting hat. Finally it wrote 'Philia' in the air.
"Strange! I wonder what that means," commented Hermione. Harry shrugged.
"You would much rather have had Ron here, wouldn't you?" asked Harry, sitting down. Hermione looked back at him confused.
"What are you saying Harry? Why would I want that?" Hermione asked in response.
"You can tell me the truth Hermione. I saw the look on his face. It seemed that both of you had great plans for this place," said Harry. Hermione looked angry.
"Harry James Potter! I want to make one thing very clear. Just because Ron is my boyfriend, it doesn't mean I have lost my sense of right and wrong. Ron and I have never even discussed this. You were the best person for the job. You very well know why you didn't become a prefect. In fact even if it weren't you, Ron wouldn't have been a good choice for Head Boy. He always neglected his prefect duties. So don't you dare say such things about me," she said, loudly. Harry was ashamed.
"I'm sorry Hermione. I jumped to conclusions," he said.
"It's okay but never do that again," Hermione replied. "Perhaps we should go and join the others. They'll think that we are antisocial." Both of them walked out. The students in the common room seemed stunned to see them appearing out of the wall.
Next day the seventh years were happy to see their first class would be Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Lupin had a great reputation among most students. He had by far been the best among the six previous teachers. They were keenly waiting to learn new curses and hexes. However when Professor Lupin entered, his first words disappointed them.
"Wands away everybody. No book required either. Today's class will be fully oral," he said. Seeing the glum look on everyone's faces he laughed. "Let me assure you that I'm not a practitioner of Dolores Umbridge's philosophy," he added. The students seemed relieved. Lupin continued.
"At the moment a Dark side doesn't exist. So until another dark wizard as powerful as Voldemort rises, we needn't fear. Fear. That is the key word. You have to overcome your fear of the dark side. Voldemort's power and self belief grew tremendously when he got to know people feared to speak his name. So as your first lesson you all have to learn to say 'Voldemort'. This is a lesson for most of the Professors including the Headmistress and all students from first to seventh year," he announced. Most students looked terrified at the prospect of saying Voldemort's name, especially Ron. Harry looked bored. So did Hermione. Both of them had said the name plenty of times and had no fear. Lupin walked up to them.
"The Headmistress tells me that you and Miss Granger already speak this name. So this lesson is no use for the two of you. She would like to meet the two of you in her office," he told Harry. Both of them nodded before heading towards the Head's quarters. They would be using the fireplace to reach McGonagall.
"Good morning to both of you. I hope you've settled down in your new quarters," McGonagall said as they entered her office through the fireplace.
"Good morning Professor. We've settled down alright. Professor Lupin said that you wanted to meet us," replied Hermione, politely. Harry nodded. He looked at the new portrait of Dumbledore which was hanging on the wall. It winked towards him.
"Well, both of you would be wasting your time in the class, so I wondered if you had any questions regarding your new duties," McGonagall said. Neither Harry nor Hermione had any doubts. So Harry decided to confront her about Snape.
"Professor, could you enlighten me why Severus Snape got away with murder. Literally I mean," asked Harry, trying to keep his voice cool. McGonagall sighed.
"I knew it wouldn't be long before you asked this. So I should tell you the full story. Please have a seat," she replied. Harry and Hermione sat down with McGonagall opposite them.
"It all started when Albus tried to destroy the ring. It was his big mistake. The injury in his hand was not an ordinary one. His hand was poisoned. With the help of magic he could control it but that sort of poisoning is not curable. Albus would have died within a month or two anyway. This was where Severus came in. Albus knew V-Voldemort told his secrets only highly trusted deatheaters. The location of his horcruxes would certainly rank as a top secret. Severus' position among the deatheaters was not at the highest level. Albus thought that by killing him Severus could work his way to the top with Vol-Voldemort. Then we would probably get to know the location of the horcruxes," she said. Harry was not convinced.
"Then why did you speak of Snape like that during the funeral. Surely you knew that it was Professor Dumbledore's wish to be killed," he asked.
"Unfortunately I knew nothing of this. Albus didn't tell about this to anyone except Severus. He didn't want us to divert our attention towards him. It was Severus who told me all this when he came to Hogwarts after your victory over Voldemort," McGonagall replied. Harry was enraged at this. Hermione also seemed angry as she stood up to speak. But Harry beat her.
"And you believed his bullshit of a story! He was just trying to save his ass because his master was gone. He fed you a bunch of lies," shouted Harry. Hermione covered her mouth, shocked to hear Harry addressing McGonagall like this.
"Please mind your language Mr. Potter. Ten points from Gryffindor. Contrary to your belief I haven't lost my ability to think. A tongue can lie but memories can't lie. Severus showed me his conversation with Albus through a Pensieve. He felt that there was no place for him here anymore, so he shifted to New Zealand. He didn't go alone though…" she was interrupted by Hermione.
"Did Draco Malfoy go with him?" Hermione asked.
"You're right Miss Granger. Mr. Malfoy was given a choice of going back to his parents or to go with Severus. He knew he'd have to turn to the dark side incase he went to his parents. He didn't want that. So he went along with Severus. I offered to let him continue at Hogwarts but he wouldn't listen. Severus has now formally adopted him," she finished. For the second time in as many days Harry felt like an idiot. He quietly apologized to McGonagall. Just as they were leaving, McGonagall called out to Harry.
"Mr. Potter, though I'm not the Head of Gryffindor anymore, I'd like to remind you that as the quidditch captain you should hold trials as soon as possible," she said. Harry nodded.
Seventh year was hard work. All the teachers made sure that the students didn't go easy on their work. Harry had decided to hold trials on the twenty eighth of September. Ron was almost a certainty for keeper. His jealousy seemed to have eased. Harry deduced Hermione must have spoken to him. On the day of the trials Hermione watched from the stands. Harry and Ron were conducting the trials. After a long workout the team was selected. Harry and Ron of course were seeker and keeper respectively. Ginny Weasley and Damelza Robins retained their position of Chasers. Dean Thomas replaced Katie Bell, who had graduated. Jimmy Peakes was joined by Dennis Creevey as Beater. Hermione walked towards Harry and Ron when practice finished.
"Harry you are some flier! Those final moves were fantastic," she said.
"I love flying. I'm so good that know-it-all Granger praises me before her own boyfriend," Harry teased Ron. Ron scowled at him. Harry and Hermione were laughing.
"Now would be a good time to stand up for me Hermione," said Ron, sarcastically.
"Sorry Ron! We didn't mean to laugh at you. However truths have to be accepted. You are a great flier but nobody can match Harry on his broom. Even you know that. Harry isn't the youngest player in the century for nothing," Hermione replied. Ron relaxed. Harry had just gone to change when Ron took Hermione aside.
"Can you meet me in the astronomy tower at midnight? We are both prefects so it is not a risk," he asked her.
"Sure," replied Hermione. She wondered what Ron wanted. After Harry and Ron had changed they went back to the castle. Now that Gryffindor had a team, a great burden was lifted of Harry's shoulders.
Later that night Hermione crept up the Astronomy tower. She couldn't see anyone. Had Ron tricked her? Just then she felt a pair of arms around her waist.
"You are full of surprises today. So what's your motive for asking me to come here?" she asked.
"With all the work we have in seventh year, we hardly get any time to spend together. So I thought it would be nice to act like a normal couple for once," Ron said. It was dark but the full moon ensured enough light. Ron put his arms around Hermione. She didn't know what Ron was thinking. Without warning he kissed her.
They kissed on and off for several minutes. Hermione was actually getting tired but Ron showed no sign of relenting. Now his tongue was demanding entry into her mouth. She was a hesitant but didn't refuse. Things quickly went beyond passionate.
"Ron…," started Hermione but Ron brought back his mouth down to hers.
"I've wanted to do that for so long," said Ron finally pulling apart. Before Hermione could say anything he was at it again. Seeing no resistance from Hermione he went a step further. He put his hand under her jumper. Hermione momentarily froze before stopping him by pushing him away.
"Ron, what do you think you were doing?" she asked angrily.
"I'm sorry. I guess I got carried away," Ron replied meekly. He didn't know how to act at this moment.
"It's getting late. Perhaps we should go to bed now," said Hermione, getting up.
"Hermione, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," Ron said, trying to calm her down.
"It's okay Ron. I'll see you tomorrow," she said, walking away. She didn't wait for Ron.
Despite what she said Hermione was not okay. She lay awake in her bed recollecting what all had happened in the past hour. Even before Ron's final move things didn't feel right. She had always imagined kissing a guy would be a wonderful experience. This wasn't wonderful to her. Ron seemed a bit too aggressive. She pushed these thoughts out. This was her first major relationship. She was just not ready for what was to coming. Things would be okay tomorrow.
As Hermione thought, things were indeed okay. Ron and Hermione didn't talk about what happened the previous day at all. Both of them took not talking as a sign of peace. Within a few days they had virtually forgotten that incident.
On the fifth of October a notice interested all the students.
This year Hogwarts will be holding a ball on Halloween. Students from all years are welcome to attend. Proper dance robes need to be worn on the occasion. The venue will be the Great Hall. Entry starts at 7:00 pm.
Alice Longbottom
Head, Gryffindor
The gossips about who was going with who started. Within a week most students had their dates fixed. Ron was of course going with Hermione. Ginny was going with Neville. Lavender was going with Seamus. Dean was going with Parvati.
Harry was in no mood to go. His past two relationships had failed. If he went with someone unknown it could lead to something like Cho. He wished he could go with somebody, just as friends. But his only two female friends, Hermione and Ginny were already booked. Also it wouldn't be right to go with Ginny after he'd broken up wit her. As Harry was thinking this out, Ginny and Luna Lovegood walked towards him.
"Hi Harry. Have you found a date yet?" she asked. It had taken Ginny sometime but finally she seemed to be getting over Harry.
"I don't think I'll go. I don't want to go with someone unknown and all my friends are already going with somebody else," he replied.
"Why don't you go with Luna? I mean… you two know each other. It's just one dance. Only as friends if that is what you are looking for," babbled Ginny. Luna turned red.
"Ginny, don't force Harry like that. If he wants he can ask me directly," she said.
"Actually that's not a bad idea. That is if you'd like to go, Luna. We did go to one of Slughorn's parties together. So what do you say Luna?" Harry asked.
"Alright then," replied Luna quickly. Ginny clapped her hands excitedly.
"See, I solved both your problems with one stroke. I'm a genius!" she started boasting. Harry and Luna laughed.
The first quidditch match of the season was Gryffindor against Slytherin. Slytherin's new captain was Vincent Crabbe, their Beater. A skinny second year named Andrew Strauss was their Seeker. Harry reluctantly shook hands with Crabbe. The game started on Madam Hooch's whistle. Luna Lovegood was the commentator.
"Blaise with the quaffle…… passes to Nott…… moves forward… shoots…… tremendous save by Weasley. Gryffindor have possession. Thomas charging ahead….. dodges bludger thrown by Goyle…… passes to Robins who immediately sends it towards Weasley…… Weasley shoots…… AND SCORES. TEN-ZERO to Gryffindor."
The match was evenly balanced. Neither team could open up a big advantage. Gryffindor had Ron to thank for a few fantastic saves. It was down to the Seekers. While Harry was the experienced one, Strauss definitely had the advantage when it came to build. Harry had caught sight of the snitch twice but it disappeared quickly. Now he could see it again. Strauss was closer to it. Harry quietly moved towards it, trying to avoid Strauss' attention. Strauss didn't seem to notice his movements. The snitch too didn't fly away. Harry discretely closed his fingers around it. Nobody seemed to have noticed this. Harry raised his arm to signal.
"Harry Potter has caught the snitch…… GRYFFINDOR WINS!" shouted Luna Lovegood. The players congratulated one another. Hermione was walking towards them to congratulate Harry and Ron. As soon as Ron saw her, he kissed her before she could say anything. There were catcalls and whistles. The whole school was watching. Hermione felt very uncomfortable. She fled the scene. Ron tried to stop her but she was already too far away. He decided to tackle her later. This was time for celebration.
Harry was already in the Head's quarters. Ron waited in the common room for Hermione to come by. He hoped she wasn't too mad at him. Hermione didn't even acknowledge his presence as she walked towards her quarters.
"Hey Hermione, wait! I wanted to talk to you," hollered Ron.
"What do you need to talk about? You got what you wanted, didn't you?" asked Hermione, sarcastically.
"What do you mean by I 'got what I wanted'," Ron countered.
"You wanted to show off in front of the whole school. You did that," Hermione answered.
"How could you think that? I only kissed you because I wanted to. You know that very well," said Ron.
"Don't lie to me Ron. You didn't even look towards me after winning the match. Only when I was near you thought you'll make a show of it. It was you who had won the match. So I should have kissed you, not the other way round," Hermione replied.
"If you were going to kiss anyway, then what the hell is your bloody problem?" asked Ron, getting angry.
"There is a BIG difference Ron. I wouldn't have made a show of it. But you couldn't wait for an opportunity like this," said Hermione.
"Hermione, for Heavens sake, it was a happy occasion. You are my girlfriend. I can kiss you whenever and wherever I want. Don't say you didn't enjoy it," shouted Ron, losing all patience. Hermione looked shocked at this last comment. It took her a while to speak.
"I may be your girlfriend Ron BUT I'M NOT LAVENDER BROWN. I KNOW YOU HAD PLENTY OF 'LIBERTIES' WITH HER. DON'T PRESUME YOU'LL HAVE ALL OF THEM WITH ME," she screamed and ran into the Head's quarters.