A/N: I must warn all fans of Ron that they won't like this chapter. I don't have anything against Ron but this part of his character was necessary for the story. If it makes you feel better, Ron plays a positive role later in the story. I do not turn Ron into a negative role character.
For Harry/Hermione fans, it's what you've been waiting for. As I'd said before, this is the last chapter of Ron/Hermione. There is still some time before Harry/Hermione starts. Thanks to all the reviewers. You comments are really appreciated. Happy reading! (And as always please review…)
Chapter Six: From Bad to Worse
Harry was reading in the common room of the Head's quarters when Hermione walked in. She looked terrible. Her eyes were watery. Her face was red with anger.
"What's the matter?" asked Harry, seeing her like this.
"Ronald Weasley is the world's biggest git," Hermione shouted. She sat down on the sofa. The tears she was trying to hold back started falling. Harry understood that something was drastically wrong. Hermione needed comforting. He sat down besides her. He put his arms around her shoulders. She buried her face into his arms and cried freely. It took her a few minutes to regain composure.
"Do you want to talk about it? It might help," said Harry gently, patting her back. She kept quiet for sometime. Both she and Ron had said some horrible things to each other. She didn't want Harry to know all that. On the other hand she wanted to tell Harry what had happened because she wanted his advice on what to do next. She decided to tell him most of the things, leaving the shouting match out.
"You saw how Ron kissed me after the quidditch match. I felt really awkward at that moment, so I ran away. It was clear to me that he only did it to make a show of it. I didn't like it one bit. A while ago, he tried to talk to me. I told him exactly what I felt and it kept getting worse. We ended up shouting at each other," she explained. She waited anxiously for Harry to respond. His opinion meant a lot to her.
"Well, he shouldn't have kissed you like that in front of the whole school. Even if he really wanted to, it would seem like a show to any third party. So you're right on that front," said Harry. Hermione smiled slightly.
"What do you think I should do?" asked Hermione.
"Fights like this between couples are quite common. You both will get over it in no time. If I know Ron well, I think he'll apologize to you first thing tomorrow morning. To make peace even you should apologize, even if you feel it wasn't your fault," replied Harry. Hermione seemed satisfied.
"Thanks Harry, I couldn't have done without you tonight. This was really tough on me but with your help it became a lot easier," said Hermione gratefully. They said goodnight before Hermione walked off.
Harry sat contended. It felt so good to have helped Hermione. He had probably helped every person in the world by killing Voldemort. But having helped his best friend, it felt totally different. She had needed him and he had been there for her. When she had walked in she was in a terrible state. By the time she went into her bedroom, her mood had significantly improved and he was responsible for it.
Next morning Harry and Hermione walked to breakfast together. Hermione was apprehensive about facing Ron. Harry told her to be calm and things would work out themselves. Ron wasn't at there at breakfast. Hermione waited anxiously for him but he didn't come. Hermione was now worried. After she finished breakfast she rushed up to the Gryffindor common room. As she was about to enter she collided head on with someone.
"Cant you look…," she started but stopped when she saw who the person was. It was Ron.
"Hi Hermione," said Ron, awkwardly.
"Hi," said Hermione, the collision totally forgotten. Ron looked like he was trying to think what to say. Finally he spoke.
"Hermione, I was an idiot after the match. I'm sorry for not acknowledging that last night," he said quietly. Hermione admired Harry's interpretation of the whole situation. He had been absolutely right.
"It's okay. I'm sorry for overreacting," replied Hermione. Ron sighed in relief.
"So are we okay then," he asked, just to make sure.
"I guess," replied Hermione. Even though the fight was over, things still seemed awkward. Ron decided to break the ice.
"Since we are alone here, you wouldn't mind this," he said, softly kissing her. Hermione didn't think he'd kiss her after what had happened the day before. She smiled to let him know things were okay.
Halloween day arrived. Everyone was excited about the ball. Harry was happy that he was going after all. If he didn't go his absence would stand out. Going with Luna wasn't that bad. He had been asked by two girls. One was Romilda Vane, whom Harry hated. Some people were sure to tease him for going with Loony but he couldn't care less. Ron. Hermione, Luna and he would be going together. He waited with Ron for the girls to arrive. They arrived exactly at ten minutes to seven. Luna looked cute in her light green attire. Hermione looked very pretty but hadn't done her hair like she had done for the Yule ball in fourth year. Ron looked slightly downcast.
"Hi," said Hermione, taking Ron's hand.
"Hi, why didn't you do your hair like in fourth year? You looked great like that," Ron couldn't help saying. Hermione was taken aback.
"Are you implying that I don't look good today?" Hermione asked coolly.
"I never said that," replied Ron quickly. Hermione didn't seem convinced.
"Ron, unlike in fourth year my hair is not that bushy now. So I decided to go with my natural look. I hate it when I don't look like myself," she explained. Ron nodded. Hermione still wasn't sure but let go. This was enjoyment time. Harry and Luna had already gone in. Ron and Hermione followed them.
The Weird Sisters were again the musicians. They played song after song as the couples danced. Harry's dancing had improved since his fourth year. So Luna had a much better time than Parvati. Ron and Hermione seemed to be enjoying themselves. Finally Harry and Luna sat down for a breather. Harry got some drinks for them.
"Thanks for coming with me Luna. I never thought I'd enjoying dancing someday," said Harry.
"You're welcome. Even I enjoyed it," said Luna, looking towards Ron. This didn't go unnoticed by Harry.
"I heard you were dating Gregory Goyle," said Harry, half smiling.
"Yeah right," said Luna, still staring at Ron, "Excuse me, what did you just say, Harry? Did I hear correctly?"
"Glad to have your attention. Have you finished daydreaming about Ron?" laughed Harry. Luna blushed deeply.
"Was I that obvious?" she asked.
"Too obvious I should say. You were totally lost," said Harry, laughing.
"Sorry for that," replied Luna. She seemed embarrassed.
"Since when have you fancied him?" asked Harry. "You don't have to answer that if you don't want to," he added. Luna didn't reply at once. Harry thought that he was making her uncomfortable. He was about to speak when Luna replied.
"I'll tell you Harry but you aren't allowed to say this to anybody," she said. Harry nodded. "I liked him when we met in the Hogwarts Express two years back. To start with it was just a silly childhood crush. But as time passed I grew more serious. Ron always had a good sense of humor and made me laugh. You would have noticed how I always wished him before a quidditch match. I used to cheer for him throughout the matches. At one point I thought he was reciprocating my feelings. How wrong I was. He never thought of me as anything beyond his sister's friend. Now he's with Hermione…," Luna stopped. It was killing her to say all this. While speaking the last few words her voice choked. Harry was surprised by her confession.
"Luna, I had no idea you were this serious. Why didn't you talk to him? Maybe things could have worked out," he said gently.
"No point in crying over spilt milk. Ron and Hermione are together now. They look so happy. There is absolutely no chance for me. I may as well move ahead. Thanks Harry for listening to me. I needed to talk about this with someone," said Luna quickly. Harry felt sorry for Luna. No wonder she was reluctant about coming to the ball. Even he had been reluctant but his reasons were totally different.
"Don't look so serious Harry. Whatever I feel for Ron has to end now. Come on tell me about your love life. Any girl you like?" she asked.
"As I told you the other day I'm not going to get involved with any girl just for the sake of it. I've had a horror experience with Cho and things didn't work out with Ginny. I don't want my list of failed relationships to grow. So I'm prepared to wait. When I find the perfect girl, I'll make my move," replied Harry in a very assured voice. He was very firm about this. Luna looked impressed.
"That's great Harry but if I asked you to describe the qualities of your ideal girl, what would they be?" Luna asked. Harry thought about this.
"Well… she has to be a very good friend. Without that I wouldn't even start. That was my mistake with Cho. Friendship always comes before romantic involvement. Then my liking for her should not depend on looks and not be based on an infatuation. That was what went wrong with Ginny. What I felt for her was just an infatuation. I should be able to trust her with everything. She should be good at heart. Both of us should be there for each other in times of joy as well as despair. Lastly she should know me as well as I know myself," Harry said seriously.
"Wow Harry. You sound like a philosopher. You will certainly keep you future girlfriend very happy," said Luna. "I'll be right back Harry. I want to fix my hair. It's become quite messy," she added before getting up.
Harry sat alone. His answer to Luna's last question was right from his heart. He had always thought this way after breaking up with Ginny but had never expressed it. His gaze traveled towards Ron and Hermione who were still dancing. That was when something huge hit him. There was just one person who satisfied all the above qualities. Harry was amazed that he had not thought about her before. It was Hermione.
Harry recapped all that he had said in his mind. Hermione was probably his closest friend. She remained his friend even when Ron had turned against him. He had never been infatuated by her. Unlike Ron he never cared how she looked. Of course he was surprised during the Yule Ball but that was mainly because she looked different. She was very good at heart. Her attitude towards house elves showed that. Both of them trusted each other fully. There was not a secret he'd kept from her. They had shared happy and sad moments together. Whether it was winning the quidditch cup, preparing polyjuice potion, saving Sirius, preparing for the Triwizard Tournament tasks or rushing to the ministry, they were always together. There were times Ron had not been able to go but Hermione was always there. Harry was sure she knew him better than he knew himself.
Hermione was the girl he had been looking for. She was right under his nose but he had missed her. Now there was no way to get her. He hated himself for helping Ron and Hermione getting together. He was so busy in his thoughts that he didn't notice Luna coming back. She was followed by Ron and Hermione. All of them had sat down but Harry was still oblivious of everything.
"Penny for your thoughts," a voice asked. The voice made Harry's stomach turn upside down though it was so familiar that he could recognize it in his sleep.
"Nothing Hermione, just passing time," replied Harry hurriedly. The four of them chatted for sometime. Harry was finding it hard to look at Hermione. He wished he hadn't said those things to Luna. Then he wouldn't feel this way.
"Let's go and dance again," said Ron, taking Hermione's hand.
"Actually Ron, why don't we exchange partners for this last bit?" suggested Hermione. Both Harry and Luna looked up anxiously.
"Sure, why not?" replied Ron, taking Luna's hand this time. Luna didn't have any time to say anything. Harry still sat in his place, making no movement.
"You game for a dance Harry?" asked Hermione. Harry nodded and they got back to the dance floor. Both of them danced to a slow song that was playing.
"You're better than Ron, Harry. But don't tell him that," said Hermione. The truth was that Ron was more interested in holding Hermione close than in dancing. After a while it had got physically tiring.
"Thanks," replied Harry. It felt so wonderful to dance with Hermione. As he looked towards Ron and Luna he couldn't help feeling this was the way things should have been. He was getting lost in her chocolate brown eyes. If he wasn't careful, he'd lose control. When the song ended he excused himself.
"Hermione, I'm quite tired. I think I'll retire to my bedroom," he said. Hermione looked concerned but Harry didn't wait. He said goodbye to Ron and Luna before walking towards the Head's quarters.
Harry was looking through his suitcase to see if he could find a pair of socks he seemed to have lost when his hand touched a glass bottle. He took it out. It was Felix Felices. Horace Slughorn had given it to him the previous year but he hadn't used it all. His mind at the moment was focused only on Hermione and his new feelings for her. Had this been a year ago he would have immediately used the potion to get together with her. But not this time. He believed a relationship based on deceit could never last. If he and Hermione ever got together, they would do it naturally. Not with some silly potion. He kept the bottle back.
The weekend after Halloween was a Hogsmede weekend. Harry, Ron and Hermione were finishing their homework in the Gryffindor common room. Hermione, as usual finished her work first, followed by Harry.
"Harry I hope you are coming to Hogsmede. We'll have lots of fun," said Hermione.
"Wouldn't you and Ron want to be alone? I don't want to come between the two of you," said Harry. He didn't want to go as it wouldn't help his situation with feelings for Hermione.
"Nonsense. You're coming and that's it," said Hermione firmly.
"I'm not sure Hermione…" started Harry but stopped seeing the look on Hermione's face. "Fine! I'll come but I'll leave you two alone after sometime. You do need time to yourselves," he said. Since he had finished his work he went into the quarters. Hermione remained with Ron.
"Why did you do that Hermione? We hardly have any time together. Whatever little we have, you always spoil by bringing in Harry," said Ron hotly.
"Ron, the three of us became friends much before the two of us got together. And I will not let that change. The three of us always go together and this time will be no different. Friendship means a lot to me, if you don't know," replied Hermione.
"Have it your way. I don't want us to fight again. I just thought it would be nice to spend some time with you alone," said Ron, giving up. Hermione was as stubborn as a mule. There was no point in arguing with her.
"That's better. We will get to spend time together. Didn't you hear what Harry said? He'll leave us alone after a while," said Hermione happily.
On Sunday Harry, Ron and Hermione were having butterbear at Three Broomsticks. After a long time coming to Hogsmede was not a security concern for the students. After that they went to Zonko's. Harry bought a few things from there. He decided to take leave of Ron and Hermione at this moment.
Ron and Hermione walked into Honeydukes hand in hand. As soon as they got in Hermione's eyes fell on the Acid Pops.
"Those are Harry's favourite. I'll buy some for him," she said. Ron got exasperated.
"Hermione we are supposed to be spending time together," he reminded her. Hermione was confused.
"That's what we are doing. Let me get these sweets for Harry…" she was cut off by Ron.
"What the hell is your problem Hermione? First you get Harry to tag along with us. And when we're finally alone all you can do is buy sweets for Harry. Looks like you're more concerned about him than me," he shouted at her. The whole shop was staring at them. Once again Ron had put them in a false position. Without a word Hermione walked out of the shop.
Hermione didn't wait for anybody. She went straight to the Head's quarters. Ron's behavior was getting on her nerves. It was one step ahead and two steps back with him. She didn't know how to handle the present situation. Ron wasn't capable of rational thinking.
Harry walked into their quarters later in the evening. He had heard about Ron and Hermione from Justin, who was at Honeydukes during the incident. The two of them were constantly fighting. According to him this relationship couldn't last. But he was biased due to his new feelings for Hermione. He cursed himself for thinking about Ron and Hermione's unavoidable breakup.
"Thank God, you're here Harry. You must have heard about Ron and me," said Hermione, coming out of her bedroom. "I was hoping you'd have some ideas about what I should do."
"Hermione, perhaps I'm not the best person for this," Harry said.
"What are you saying? You always have the best solutions for these problems. You solved my last fight with Ron," said Hermione desperately. She was depending on Harry.
"Things are different now," said Harry without thinking. His advice would certainly be biased.
"What's different?" asked Hermione. This attitude from Harry confused her. He was always very helpful. What had happened to him?
"Nothing. It's just that you and Ron always fight. I can't mediate every time. You should settle it between yourselves," replied Harry. Hermione gave up. Something was definitely up with Harry.
That night Harry and Hermione were supposed to meet McGonagall, to submit the weekly report. This was a part of their duties as Head students. When they were walking back they heard a noise inside a classroom that was supposed to be empty. Both of them stopped walking.
"I'll just check. You stand back. Most probably its nothing. Maybe a couple of students out of bed," said Harry. He took out his wand just to be on the safe side. The corridors were dark bur there was enough light to recognize a person. Hermione warned him to be careful. The door of the classroom was slightly open. Harry peeked in.
What he saw shocked him beyond belief. Two students were snogging madly. They were so involved with one another that they had no clue about his presence. One of them was Ron and the girl was none other than his ex Lavender Brown. Harry felt sick. He turned back with a disgusted look on his face.
"What is it?" asked Hermione. She tried to make her way towards the door but Harry held her arm tightly.
"Hermione, believe me when I say you don't want to see this," said Harry. He already knew that Hermione wouldn't listen to him. He was right.
"You can't say that Harry. I haven't even seen it," she protested as she pulled herself away from Harry. "Oh" was all she could say when she saw what was happening in the classroom. Both of them walked back to their quarters in silence. Harry didn't know what to say. He finally spoke when they were in their common room.
"I'm really sorry. I know your relationship was going through troubled times but I had no idea of this," he said. He had expected Hermione to cry, shed tears, scream and abuse. However she seemed remarkably calm.
"Harry, why is it that I'm not hurt by this. I should be shouting. Yes, I feel betrayed but somehow I don't feel like a girl would feel after finding out that her boyfriend was cheating on her," she said in a composed manner. Harry didn't know what his reply should be. He thought she needed comforting but that clearly wasn't the case.
"Ron and I were never meant to be. Probably that's the reason. Subconsciously I had realized that before. If you are not sleepy I can tell you everything. We are just too different from one another," said Hermione. Both of them sat down on the sofa.
Hermione told Harry everything. She started with how the two of them got together. Then about the incident in the Astronomy tower. Harry looked very angry on hearing that. The part about the kiss after the quidditch match Harry already knew. This time Hermione also told him the nasty things they had said to one another. Finally Hermione narrated the incidents at Honeydukes.
"I'm saying sorry again. I shouldn't have got the two of you together. Your expectations from a relationship are totally different. Ron wants to be physical while you want mutual affection. It's late now. We should sleep. Good luck for tomorrow. I know it's not easy for you," said Harry. Both of them went into their bedrooms. Neither could sleep properly that night.
When Harry and Hermione went to the breakfast hall Ron was already there. He didn't look any different than usual. On seeing Hermione, he walked towards her. Harry purposely got away to give them time alone. If he had waited with Hermione, it would have been difficult not to break Ron's bones.
"Hi Hermione, I'm so sorry about yesterday. It was my fault. I shouldn't have shouted at you. I was thinking about you all the time. I couldn't sleep last night because I thought you would never forgive me. Please say its okay Hermione. I promise not to fight with you again," Ron said dramatically. Hermione couldn't believe Ron's nerve. He was telling total lies without even stuttering on one word.
"Ron, just bend down," she said. Ron immediately bent down his head thinking that Hermione would kiss him. "Close you eyes," said Hermione. Ron was sure now. He closed his eyes with a smile on his face. SLAP! Hermione slapped him with all her strength. Ron staggered. There was a stunned silence in the great hall.
"What is the meaning of this Hermione?" shouted Ron.
"Well, for starters… we're over."