A/N: Thank you everyone for the tremendous response to the last chapter. You all loved Ron and Hermione's breakup. The slap seemed to be very popular. Most of the reviews mentioned it. I was surprised not to be flamed by Ron fans. Guess there aren't too many of them. Please keep up the reviews. The previous response really motivated me.
This chapter is mainly about Ron. Sorry to all the Harry/Hermione fans. You do get to see them but you'll have to wait another couple of chapters for them to get together. Happy reading!
Chapter Seven: A Harsh Lesson for Ron
"Come on Hermione! You can't be serious. All couples have small disagreements like we did. We'll get over it in no time," said Ron, holding his cheek. It was still stinging.
"Ron, if you want this to end in a dignified manner come to the common room with me. Everyone is watching here and despite what you have done I do not wish to humiliate you publicly any more. She started walking towards the common room. Ron followed her.
"So you say you were thinking about me last night. Where were you thinking? I'll tell you. In the empty classroom in the second floor. With Lavender Brown all over you. Wasn't it?" said Hermione, sarcastically. Ron looked dazed.
"Damn… you had to see that, didn't you? Fine, I'll tell you the truth. I was out for a late night stroll when I met Lavender. She took me to the empty classroom with some excuse and then forced herself upon me. All I did was to try and push her back but she was incessant. I'm sorry you had to see that," he said.
"I admire your ability to lie without hesitation. But it won't work this time. I and Harry were coming back after meeting McGonagall. We saw each and everything. You were too busy to even notice us staring at you. You were both over each other. In fact I have doubts over how far you went last night. I hope we don't see a fatter Lavender in the near future," said Hermione.
"Don't you dare speak like that about me!" shouted Ron.
"Don't you dare cheat on others Ronald Weasley! I should be hurting over you but somehow I'm not. I think in my mind I knew what a big prat you were," shouted back Hermione. At that moment Harry walked into the common room. Hermione, having had enough, went into the quarters.
"It's taking every bit of my restraint not to beat you black and blue but would you care to explain your actions? Lies won't work with me. I saw everything last night," asked Harry dangerously. Ron swallowed. Harry seemed very angry.
"See, whenever Hermione and I kissed I didn't get the expected reaction from her. So you can say I was sexually frustrated. I don't mean it literally. Hermione seemed conservative as far as this was concerned. I still liked her though. Last night during a stroll I bumped into Lavender. Some of our old spark returned. Before I knew she was kissing me. Since I didn't get much of that from Hermione, I got carried away. It was just a one off thing. I would never deliberately cheat on Hermione," replied Ron nervously.
"I'm disgusted at how shallow you are. Kissing is all you can think of, when you are with a girl. That's gross. I'm glad Hermione caught you early or she may have got serious," said Harry.
"Harry please try and understand. Every guy likes kissing a girl. I'm sorry I got carried away with Lavender. She means nothing to me," pleaded Ron.
"Do you mean to say all that was an act or are you too scared to admit the truth," said Lavender coming into the room with Parvati. Both the girls had very serious looks on their faces. Ron grew even more nervous.
"Lavender this is not your concern. Please stay out of this," said Ron, pointing a finger towards Lavender.
"Since when do you decide what my concern is and what is not?" asked Lavender, without moving an inch.
"What on earth is going on here? Ron, you said Lavender meant nothing to you and yesterday's events were one off. Why don't you tell her that?" shouted Harry. Ron didn't reply. Hermione had just come back into the common room. Before Harry could ask anything more, Lavender answered for him.
"Harry, like you Ronald has been feeding me a bunch of lies. It's true that we met during a night stroll. But that was three weeks ago. Old sparks started flying and we kissed. I regretted it immediately. I knew what we did was wrong since Ron was with Hermione. However Ron wouldn't leave me. He said his relationship with Hermione was only time pass and he liked me. He told me to be secretive about what we shared. Despite having my doubts I agreed. I thought he really liked me. But hearing the conversation between the two of you made me realize I was a fool," she said. Harry couldn't believe all this. The funny, friendly Ron had turned into a fraud. Hermione acted as if she expected something like this from Ron. Now Neville, Seamus and Dean were also in the common room. So the drama was unfolding before the whole seventh year.
If this was shocking, what happened next was unbelievable. Parvati Patil, who had been standing besides Lavender all this while collapsed to the floor, crying softly. Lavender and Hermione rushed to her, concerned.
"What's the matter Parvati?" asked Lavender.
"He…," started pointing towards Ron, but broke down again.
"Don't say you've got something to do with this also," said Neville angrily to Ron. Ron made no reply. Parvati took a few minutes to regain her composure.
"Like Hermione and Lavender, I too have been one of Ron's victims. The only difference is I was more serious than two of them. So it hurts a lot more. He actually told me we had a future together. We started much the same way as Ron and Lavender but not at night. He kissed me and I thought we were getting closer. Of course we kept it secret due to Hermione. I hoped we would be able to make it official sometime next year. But obviously he had other plans…," Parvati said, still sobbing lightly. Everyone in the room was too stunned speak. Seamus was the first to speak.
"Are these it or are there some more?" he shouted. Ron just bowed his head. Harry walked up to him.
"A few minutes ago I wanted to break every bone in your body but now I feel my hands will be infected if I make any contact with you. You are beneath contempt. I fail to understand how you could become like this after living with such nice people all your life. Your parents, your siblings baring Percy, your friends and housemates always treated you well. Anyway… I won't waste my time speaking to a piece of shit like you," sneered Harry. He turned his back and walked into the quarters. Hermione followed him in. The other students also dispersed leaving Ron totally alone in the common room.
He sat thinking about the past few minutes. All his beans were spilled. He had continued his relationship with Hermione during the day while he met Lavender and Parvati every alternate night. He knew that his plan was risky but he had got so used to it that he couldn't stop. It was like an addiction. His lust had cost him dearly. All the seventh year Gryffindor students knew about his misdeeds. Soon the whole school would know. He would be a total outcaste.
**** ****
Ron was right. Within the next few days he was absolutely isolated. Nobody greeted him anytime. Whenever he entered the common room the others walked away. He was having difficulties in his studies but he had no Hermione to consult. He wondered what would happen once quidditch practice resumed. Would he be sacked? Harry being the captain didn't help. He was very lonely. Even Ginny refused to speak to him. When he had tried corner her, she threatened him by saying she'll tell their mother everything. That was something Ron couldn't let happen. He wasn't fond of his mother's anger. The last thing he needed was a Howler. He really needed to talk to someone but there was nobody to listen to him. It was very frustrating. Finally he was able to think of one last option. Since none of the students spoke to him he had to try outside the students. Only two people came to his mind. Hagrid and Professor Lupin. Though he was more comfortable with Hagrid, he thought Professor Lupin would be able to deal with his problem better.
During the weekend Ron knocked on Lupin's office.
"Come in," said Lupin. Ron tentatively walked in. "Hello Ron, why did you want to meet me?" Lupin asked. Ron took a deep breath. Summoning all his courage he told Lupin everything. There was a big risk involved. If Lupin treated him like the other students had, he'd be a villain in front of the teachers as well. To his relief Lupin heard him out. His face kept growing graver but he didn't interrupt Ron.
"Why did you do this Ron?" Lupin asked when Ron had finished.
"Professor I wasn't in my mind. It was as if things were happening automatically. I knew I was doing the wrong thing but couldn't stop myself. I don't know what to do now. Nobody even looks at me," said Ron quietly. He was trying to stay strong but was finding it increasingly difficult. His voice choked during the last sentence. Lupin paced up and down his office.
"You remind me of someone I knew very well. Harry's father James. He was a big flirt during his fifth and sixth years. He must have snogged most girls in the school. But everyone knew he was like that. So they never got serious with him. He didn't hide his character. So he never really had a proper girlfriend. That was until he got together with Lily. From that day he stopped his bad habits. Lily was initially hesitant to get serious but on seeing the changes in James she began trusting him completely. James obviously knew that she was the perfect girl for him. Probably you have to wait for your perfect girl. So there is still hope for you. As for facing the others, it'll take time. Try to do well in quidditch. That will help," said Lupin.
"Thank you Sir. It was very kind of you to help me out. I really needed someone to talk to," replied Ron, thankfully.
"Don't think for a moment I appreciate your actions but if you need any more help, I'm available," Lupin said. Ron smiled at him before leaving.
**** ****
Despite the talk with Lupin things hardly improved for Ron over the next few days. Nobody cared about him. Ron knew that he had brought this upon himself. He was looking forward to quidditch practice. That was his only chance of redemption.
Harry was walking through the corridor when somebody stopped him. It was Luna Lovegood.
"If you're free can I talk to you?" she asked. Harry nodded. He and Luna hadn't spoken much since Halloween.
"It's about Ron. You are the only one who knows about it. I've heard everything he did with Hermione, Lavender and Parvati. I thought I'd hate him like everyone else but surprisingly that hasn't happened. Whatever my feelings were, they remain. I can't help it. If anything my feelings have increased because Ron is single now. You must be thinking I'm a fool but as I said I can't help it. So what do you think I should do?" Luna asked.
"I can't dictate how you feel so it's not a problem with me. However I should warn you that like in the case of the others, he might break your heart," Harry replied.
"At least then I'll be able to stop feeling like this about him. He looks so lonely Harry. Don't you think you think you should try and talk to him," Luna asked.
"I feel like vomiting every time I see him. Luna, how is that you still want to trust him?" Harry said.
"Perhaps Ron did not find the right girl. Maybe he was too eager to have a girlfriend so he got involved with Hermione. Things didn't work out and he looked elsewhere. Had Hermione been the right girl for him, he may not have turned out like this. It's just a theory but can't be ruled out," replied Luna.
"You seem to be quite optimistic. I can't imagine Hermione not being the right girl. So you feel you are the right girl for him?" asked Harry. Luna blushed.
"I may be but unless I give it a go I wouldn't know that," she said shyly. Harry admired Luna's attempts.
"If you want it, go ahead. I'm nobody to stop you. I just don't want you to be hurt. And wait for a few more days before trying to be friendly with him. You may get alienated by others if they see you talking to Ron," said Harry. Luna smiled at him.
"Thanks Harry. You've been a big help," said Luna. They walked together to the Great Hall where they had to part ways.
Hermione meanwhile was not having a very good time. She wasn't hurt by Ron's cheating, which was a good thing. Had she got serious with him, it would have been very tough. Even Ginny took a month to get over Harry. Hermione didn't need that time. Still Hermione was shaken. One of her oldest friends had betrayed her. She was in a depressed state of mind. She had found out that Ron turned to Lavender because he wasn't satisfied by their kisses. Though she never really wanted to kiss Ron, now she was having doubts over her own kissing ability. She hardly spoke to anyone except Harry. Having him around was great help. He had treated her with a great degree of intelligence. He let her be when she needed to be alone, he was approachable for any of her problems and he was the biggest source of comfort she had.
Despite Harry, Hermione wanted some adult advice on the matter. So she wrote a letter to her mother explaining that had happened with Ron. She even mentioned Ron's simultaneous affairs with Parvati and Lavender, the aftermath, her present feelings and Harry's help. She knew her parents would hate Ron but she didn't care. Just as she finished the letter, Harry walked in.
"Hi, how have you been?" he asked.
"Much the same," replied Hermione.
"Hermione it's time you got over this depression. Ron isn't worth this. I know things have been horrible for you but one has to move on," said Harry. Hermione nodded but didn't say anything.
"I think I know what you need. We need to have some fun," he said.
Next evening Harry led Hermione to the Hogwarts kitchens. She was curious to find out what Harry had planned for her. They were greeted in the kitchen by Dobby, Winky and Kreacher.
"Let's start with some food," said Harry. The Houselves brought a lot of food to the table. Hermione was amazed to see so much food. Most of the food items were deserts. She had just started on a sausage roll when Harry started laughing. Hermione stared at him.
"Do I have something on my face?" she asked consciously. Harry continued laughing. Hermione looked behind her. There was nothing there. Exasperated, she got back to her food. She noticed Harry had stopped laughing. As she looked up, she saw Harry had disappeared from his seat.
"Harry, what game are you playing?" she said loudly. SPLAT! Something soft hit her square on the face. It was chocolate truffle.
"You are going to pay for that Harry! What do you mean?" shouted Hermione. "If you have the guts, why don't you face me," she added. SPLAT! This time a pineapple pastry hit her on the neck. At the same moment Harry reappeared laughing hysterically. He had been under the disillusionment charm.
"What are you going do Granger?" he asked, standing right in front of her. He closed his eyes to show that he didn't expect her to do anything. Hermione couldn't miss this opportunity. She took the jug of pumpkin juice and emptied it on Harry's head. Harry was taken by total surprise. He opened his eyes and both of them started laughing.
"A food fight. That's what you'd planned," said Hermione.
"Yes, that was my plan. The Houselves helped me. I paid them five Galleons each. And don't think I'm finished," he said, throwing a handful of orange marmalade on her. Hermione responded with a bowl of custard. This continued for several minutes. At one point Harry ran away. Hermione chased him around the kitchen. Unfortunately she slipped on some juice on the floor.
"Ouch!" she cried. Harry rushed to her. It would be a disaster if this evening of fun ended with an injury.
"Are you alright?" he asked in a concerned voice.
"Just pull me up. I think I'm okay," replied Hermione. Harry gave her his hand not noticing the cheeky grin on her face. Soon his face was covered with tomato sauce.
"You can certainly fool people with foot injuries. First Ron and now me. You are wicked," he said. After they had had enough they finally ate some food.
"Thanks for the lovely evening Harry. I had a whale of a time. I feel better already. I really needed something like this," said Hermione sincerely, as they entered the Head's quarters. Harry just smiled before entering his bedroom. Hermione's eyes fell on a letter on the table. It was from her mother.
Dear Hermione,
I was very sorry to read about what you've been through this year. Though I didn't have anything against Ron, I never imagined you'd ever go out with him. I felt you were closer to Harry than Ron. It's good that you are not hurt by his stupid actions. Being cheated is the biggest nightmare for a girl of your age.
You said you feel awkward in facing the other students. Don't feel that way. What happened was not your fault. The others must be feeling that you are hurt so they aren't wrong in showing sympathy towards you. You have no reason to feel embarrassed by their concern. In fact be happy that you have so many well wishers. As for Ron, you can keep ignoring him for the time being. He is getting what he deserves. I'm proud of you for feeling sorry for somebody who has just broken your heart. Later on you can follow Harry's actions as far as Ron is concerned.
Finding the right guy is never easy. Most of the time you can't find him if you search for him. For instance your father and I met by accident. He had come to my college to attend a seminar, we met, talked and the rest is one long story. Just make sure you know his intentions beforehand. You should have realized Ron's intentions when he kissed you passionately just minutes after you got together. If not then, the Astronomy Tower incident was a big warning. When you realize that your ideas don't match either talk it over or call it quits. Evading the problem is no solution. The fact that you felt uncomfortable to talk to him shows that you two weren't meant for each other.
The last thing I'd like to say is, keep your friends close at a time like this. I guess Harry would be your best friend now. Your description of his handling of the situation shows that he is very mature. If you need any help, ask him. He's sure to help you.
That's all for now.
With Love,
Mum.
Hermione felt a lot better. First it was the food fight with Harry and now the letter from her mother. She was relieved that her parents had been supportive. They could have been angry with her for getting into such a situation. And of course there was Harry. She could turn to him whenever she wanted. He was always there for her.
**** ****
During the first week of December quidditch practice restarted. Harry was in a difficult position as far as Ron was concerned. The unanimous opinion of the rest of the team was to sack him for his actions. He hadn't spoken to Ron in a long time. He waited for the day of practice to make his final decision. Ron had appeared for the practice. All the players looked at Harry expecting him to complete the formalities.
"Tell him that he's not needed," said Dean.
"How dare he show up like this after what he did?" shouted Dennis Creevey.
"Please finish this fast Harry. We have a lot to do," said Damelza.
"Shall I go with the public opinion Ron? They all want you out," said Harry, looking at Ron for the first time. Ron didn't say anything. If he was right, Harry never cared about public opinion. He did what he felt was right.
"I'm talking to you strictly as a professional. Don't think everything if cool. Your off the field behavior has been atrocious. However this is a quidditch team we are talking about. Whatever the case may be, you are still the best keeper in Gryffindor. So I am giving you a chance to retain your position. But the slightest bit of indiscipline and you'll be out. Do you understand that?" asked Harry seriously. Ron nodded meekly. He was getting angry at Harry for speaking to him like this but he couldn't afford to blow up. This was his only chance at redemption.
Though the rest of the team wasn't happy with Harry's decision they agreed to it since he was the captain. The practice passed without much incident. Nobody spoke to Ron. After practice Ron called Harry aside.
"Thanks Harry for what you did," said Ron shortly. Harry nodded and walked away without a word. Ron sighed. It was a long road ahead for him.
On the whole Ron was satisfied with the way things had gone during the quidditch practice. It could have been a lot worse. He'd performed reasonably well. Nobody had been able to point a finger at him. He was keen on talking to Lupin. As he was about to knock on his door he heard voices from inside.
"Why do you have to be so stubborn, Remus? Why do you deny what we have?" cried the voice of Tonks. Ron recognized the voice at once. He knew he shouldn't be eavesdropping but his curiosity got the better of him.
"Nymph I've told you it's not safe for you to be with me," replied Remus calmly. Ron nearly laughed aloud at the nickname Remus had given Tonks.
"Yet I want to be with you. Does that mean anything to you? Haven't you learned anything from Bill and Fleur? Bill's condition is much the same as yours. Did Fleur give up on him because of that? If anything, it has got them closer. See how much the Weasleys love Fleur now. Why can't we be together like them?" asked Tonks desperately.
"You are testing my patience Nymph. If it hadn't been for my condition I wouldn't think twice about what you're saying. I just want you to be happy Nymph," said Remus softly.
"If you really want me to be happy you'll stop me from getting out of this room. After today I'll never bother you with this," said Tonks finally. Ron stiffened on hearing the approaching footsteps of Tonks.
"Wait Nymph…," shouted Remus. Ron relaxed but couldn't help peeking in through the keyhole.
Tonks turned around. Remus was walking towards her. She rushed into his arms. They hugged for a very long time. It looked like both of them were crying. When the hug ended they kissed. Ron felt he had seen enough. He didn't want to disturb Remus at the moment. The sight of the two of them moved him deeply. Had he felt like this for any one of the three girls, he wouldn't be in this position. Had he felt like that for someone any other girl couldn't have tempted him away from her. That night he had a strange dream.
He was alone in the Great Hall. It was very bright. His eyes were wrinkled due to the excess of light. Suddenly somebody entered the room. It was a woman. She was dressed in white. Ron couldn't see her face as it was covered by a veil.
"Who are you?" asked Ron.
"You don't need to know that. But I'm here to help you. Tell me, are you ashamed of what you did to Hermione, Parvati and Lavender?" said the woman.
"Yes, I'm really sorry for that. I'm being punished well enough for that," replied Ron.
"That you are. Do you have any questions?" the woman said.
"How do I know I really like a girl?" asked Ron.
"That is something I cannot describe to you but believe me when you come across a girl whom you really like, you'll know it yourself. Nobody will have to tell you that. You'll feel different when you're near her. Her absence will make you feel incomplete," replied the woman.
"What if I hurt her like the others?" asked Ron.
"You will never hurt her like you hurt the others. You won't be able to. However you may have fights or disagreements. Like any other couple you'll have to find your way around those," said the woman.
"What do I do to regain the trust of the others? It's a lonely life for me at the moment," asked Ron.
"That is something for you to figure out. You got yourself into this position so you have to work your way out of it. Just remember lies will get you nowhere. You need to be truthful to others as well as yourself," replied the woman.
"Thank you very much for the help but I want to know who you are," said Ron.
"As I said you don't need to know that. Remember what I said," said the woman.
"But…," started Ron but the woman had disappeared.