Tell Me by faithful2thecall Rating: PG13 Ship: Harry & Hermione Canon: Books 1 - 6 Genre: Drama, Romance Status: In progress Length: 25,146 words in 14 chapters Published: 20 Sep 2006 Last updated: 8 Mar 2009 STILL not the sequel to "All I Want for Christmas". Just a little story that I'm randomly working on to keep your appetite wet for when I finally get the sequel finished and posted. This is my first attempt at writing an evil Ginny, so Ginny lovers beware. She's up to no good and plotting to get Harry back. Meanwhile, confusing feelings run rampant in Harry and Hermione, before some things finally get straightened out. Rating change to be on the safe side after a re-read. From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/6514/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. Not Officially A/N: Yes, I said that the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas” was going to be my next story, and I have been working on it (though it's still untitled at this point). This story came about when I had some spare time before my shift at work started and just randomly started this story. I do plan on continuing to work on the sequel as I work on this as well. You know as well as I do where this story is going. I have no notes or anything written for this story, I'm just going with the flow and letting this story come out without having planned anything. Obviously, we'll get our Harmony ending, but I don't know much more than that right now. I'll have fun finding out where this story leads along with the rest of you. Hopefully, it will help keep you tided over until I get the sequel finished. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Disclaimer: IT'S MINE! Harry Potter is all mine!!! *laughs evilly* *I get tapped on the shoulder and turn around, finding a couple of cops* Random Cop #1: Did you just say that Harry Potter is your's? Me: Yes, sir! Random Cop #2: I'm afraid I'm going to have to place you under arrest, then. Me: What for? Harry Potter's mine! Random Cop #1: Stealing from the legendary, though potentially infamous J.K. Rowling. Me: I'm not stealing! Harry Potter's mine! Random Female Voice: No, Harry's not your's. Me: How would you know? Random Female Voice: I am her GREATEST creation! Me: *scoffs* And just who are you? Random Female Voice: Ginny Weasley, of course, you arrogant, self-serving prat. *I laugh* Me: Her greatest creation? Try the most insignificant and worthless character in the series! Mr. and Mrs. Granger are even more important than you! *Ginny slaps me across the face* Random Female Voice/Ginny: You bastard! There's no way that the little bookworm's parents are… *Ginny is cut off mid-rant by a Silencing Charm, and we both look to see who cast it, to find Harry and Hermione* Harry: I'll not have you talk about my girlfriend's parents like that again, Ginny. Hermione: Thomas, Harry really doesn't belong to you, you know. Me: He doesn't? Hermione: No, he doesn't. The cops aren't pulling your leg. Me: I must really be Delusional then. People already think I'm Delusional for thinking that the two of you are going to get together. *Harry and Hermione smile secretly at each other* Harry: You'll just have to wait and see how J.K. Rowling gets us together in her last book then. Me: I can't wait! Harry: Neither can I! Then I can do this all I want. *Harry grabs Hermione and they start wildly snogging in front of me* Me (to the cops): Okay, I can admit that Harry's not mine. He belongs to J.K. Rowling, whom the rest of the world will soon witness putting the finishing touches on one of the greatest love stories of all-time by bringing Harry and Hermione together in her last book. Random Cop #2: You're free to go, then. Dedication: I made a point of getting this up today in honor of our favorite bookworm's birthday. Happy Birthday Hermione! Tell Me Chapter 1: Not Officially Hermione was hunched over her Ancient Runes text and scribbling down notes in the crowded Gryffindor common room one rainy May evening when Harry strolled in soaking wet, after one of their last quidditch practices at Hogwarts, chatting excitedly with Ron. “Hiya, Hermione,” Ron said with a mysterious smile on his face as he made his way to the stairs up to the boys' dormitories and disappeared up them. Hmm…I don't remember having seen Ron smile like that before, Hermione thought to herself. A moment later, her thoughts were interrupted as Hermione felt a wet pair of arms wrap her up from behind, making her white blouse damp. “Harry James Potter!” she chastised him. Don't you have enough sense to cast a Drying Charm on yourself before giving me a hug? Especially when I'm wearing a white blouse!” The head of every male in the Gryffindor common room turned her way, Harry's with a silly grin on his face. “What's so funny, Harry?” Hermione asked calmly. Harry's grin only widened as he said, “you might not have wanted to say that so loud.” What? Hermione thought to herself. Then her eyes widened as his comment made sense and she looked down to see that it was possible to see part of her modest, white bra where her blouse was wet. “Oh!” “Do I need to escort milady to the base of the ladies' dormitory stairs to protect her honor?” Harry asked with a cheeky grin on his face. “That won't be necessary, because unlike some people, I remember how to cast a Drying Charm,” she told him while doing the charm on both of them. “However, you could use a shower.” “Besides the one I took on my way into the castle?” he asked with a wink. “Yes, you dork,” Hermione said sweetly, slapping him lightly on his arm. Harry grabbed his arm like it hurt, earning a chuckle and an eye roll from Hermione. “I didn't hurt you that bad, Harry.” “Not yet,” Harry said softly, suddenly turning serious. “Am I really that repulsive?” Hermione gave him a puzzled look. Why did he ask that? she thought to herself. “Your body odor may not be the most appealing right now,” she replied cheekily before smiling sweetly up at him, “but you're even more fanciable than before.” Harry's face broke out in the biggest grin that Hermione had ever seen. “I'll be back in a few minutes then,” Harry said before kissing the top of her head and disappearing up the stairs to the boys' dormitory. What was that all about? Hermione pondered as Ginny came rushing over. “What's going on between you and Harry?” Ginny demanded. “Nothing. Why?” “Then why did he kiss you on top of your head?” “I don't know. I was trying to figure that out myself.” “I'm going to have to talk to my boyfriend about kissing other girls, even if it is only you,” Ginny said snottily. “I didn't know that you had got back together, Ginny,” Hermione responded. “Oh, we haven't officially gotten back together yet, but I'm sure he's going to ask me out any day now,” Ginny said airily. Hermione raised an eyebrow at the girl she thought was her best female friend, wondering why she had turned into a snotty, arrogant little brat, especially after she got together with Harry during his sixth year. “If you're not officially together, then you have no business calling him your boyfriend,” Hermione said calmly. “You don't want me to call him that because you want to call him it,” Ginny accused bitterly. “I do not!” Hermione said as her face flushed red. “Yes, you do,” Ginny snapped. “You fancy him and can't stand the fact that you know that he'll never look at you like that because you're not the sort of girl he goes for, a girl like me.” Ginny walked around in front of Hermione. “You're nothing more than a jealous little bitch,” Ginny said angrily before slapping Hermione across the face. Ginny then turned on her heels and stormed up the stairs to the girls' dormitories. I never should have helped her land Harry, Hermione thought to herself as she rubbed her cheek while watching Ginny's retreating form disappear from sight. I don't like Harry, anyways, so she doesn't have to be worried about plain, little me trying to steal him away from big, bad her. Besides, Ron fancies me and neither Harry nor me would ever do anything to intentionally hurt him. Harry deserves somebody far better than Ginny. She's like one of those teenage fangirls that crush on muggle actors, like Daniel Radcliffe…now he's cute, Hermione thought to herself with a soft giggle, but I can admit that it's never going to happen because he's with Emma Watson, even though they haven't publicly admitted it, everyone can see that they're together, but even if I did get with Daniel, I would never be as possessive of him as Ginny is with Harry. It'd be different with Harry if I actually fancied him. I'd stand more of a chance with Harry than Ginny thinks. Of course, there would be the slight problem of us having been best friends for the past seven years, but I'm sure that Harry and I would be able to work through it. Harry is certainly a handsome bloke, Hermione smiled to herself. He's also a lot like the man I hope to find for a husband some day—kind, brave, willing to challenge me when I need to consider other possibilities, a good friend… Maybe the idea of a relationship with Harry isn't as mental as I first thought. We spend a lot of time together too. Now wonder Ginny thinks I fancy Harry. Even if I did fancy Harry, he'd never ask me out because it's painfully obvious that Ron fancies me, and Harry'd never hurt Ron's feelings by asking me out while Ron has feelings for me. Why does Ron fancy me anyways? It's not like we have much in common. Harry's really all we both care about, and we won't even have to worry about Harry's safety as much with Voldemort gone. Ron and I argue too much for us to potentially be more than friends. If he thinks that he's showing me how much he cares for me by arguing with me, then he's got another think coming, Hermione huffed. As if on cue, Ron came down the boys' dormitory stairs with a wet red mop on top of his head. “Honestly, Ronald,” Hermione huffed, rolling her eyes at him, “don't you remember how to cast a Drying Charm on yourself either?” “I remember, but I didn't think it was necessary since we're just going to be sitting around the common room,” Ron told her as she cast the charm on his hair. “So how'd practice go?” “Smashing! We're sure to pound that git Malfoy and his mates,” Ron said with a big smile on his face. “Have you figured out what you're going to do after graduation yet?” “Nope. I'm not good enough to play quidditch professionally and my grades aren't high enough to become an auror. Maybe I'll work with my dad at the Ministry or help Fred and George in their shop.” “You'd better figure it out soon, because we graduate in a couple of weeks.” “What about you?” “Me? Oh, I'm going to be working in Flourish and Blotts to start off. Maybe I'll teach somewhere some day.” “Or take Madame Pince's job when she retires in a couple of years,” Ron needled her, nudging her in the side with his elbow. “Where did you hear that? I hadn't heard that rumor yet.” “Oh, mum mentioned it in her last letter. Said dad heard it from McGonagall at an Order meeting a few weeks ago.” “Why didn't you say anything?” Hermione demanded. “I figured you already knew, since you spend so much time in the Library and you know bloody everything.” Hermione glared at him. “I certainly do not know everything!” she snapped. Unfortunately for them, Harry picked that moment to come down the stairs from the boys' dormitories. “Are you two at it again?! Please give it a rest already!” Hermione blushed and looked away to keep herself from checking out how scrumptious Harry was. Wait a minute! Since when do I think Harry looks scrumptious? Ron's face went flush with embarrassment, saving Hermione for the time being. “Sorry mate, I should've known better after that talk we had earlier.” Harry glared at Ron as Hermione looked back and forth between them with a puzzled look on her face, since her color had returned to normal. After the talk they had earlier? When did they do that and what did they talk about? Hermione pondered. Harry must have been advising Ron about how to get on my good side before asking me out, since he obviously doesn't like me like that. I'd be better matched with the Giant Squid than Ron. I thought Harry knew me better than that, she thought to herself as tears started to well up in the corners of her eyes. The boys both noticed this, causing Ron's face to turn snowy white. “Mate, I'll leave this one to you. You know how good I am at handling crying girls. I'm sorry for what I said earlier, Hermione. Night you two,” Ron said before making a beeline for the stair case to the boys' dormitories and disappearing from sight. Harry crossed over to Hermione and knelt in front of her chair and cupped a cheek in one of his soft hands. “What's the matter?” he asked softly. Hermione sniffed. “Oh, nothing. Just me being silly, that's all,” she answered as smoothly as possible. “You and me both know that's bullocks,” Harry responded firmly. “Harry, please. It's nothing,” Hermione pleaded. “You don't break down and cry over nothing, and you know I know that,” Harry said helping her out of the chair and leading her over to the couch and sitting down next to her. “Now, what's bothering you, and don't try saying it's our N.E.W.T.'s either.” “You know me too well,” Hermione muttered, leaning back between Harry's legs and putting her head on his shoulder. “No I don't,” Harry countered. “If I did, I'd know exactly what's bothering you and we wouldn't be having this conversation.” “If you knew me that well you'd be a stalker, and that'd be downright scary.” “You're right. That would be scary.” “I don't want to talk about what's bothering me, because it's not something that I can discuss with you.” “Why not?” Harry whispered in her ear. “Never mind,” Hermione said snuggling up against Harry's neck. “I'll be here when you're ready to talk about it,” Harry said softly. “Okay,” Hermione murmured just before her eyes closed in sleep. --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. Need to Talk A/N: Sorry for the lengthy delay. I'm a senior in college, and have a very busy life, so I don't get much time to write for fun these days. I have every intention of finishing this story and the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas”, but I have no timeline on the conclusion of those stories, or what I'll write beyond that. Those of you familiar with my work won't be surprised to discover that I leave an evil cliff-hanger at the end of this chapter (I'm generally good for at least one of those per story…you have been warned!). Hopefully that will lead me to getting the next chapter up as soon as possible to satisfy your hunger for what comes next. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 2: Need to Talk Harry sighed as he landed back on the ground at the end of a very soggy quidditch practice. The practice had gone really well, considering the conditions, but Harry's mind at the moment was elsewhere. He loved Ron. Really he did. But he was becoming increasingly frustrated that Ron wouldn't come out and admit that he loved their mutual best friend, Hermione Granger. Okay. If I'm going to be perfectly honest with myself, then I'd like for Ron to admit that he loves Hermione the same way he loves Ginny—like a sister. Then again…maybe it would be good for them to get together, Harry thought, because then I wouldn't lose her completely, like I would if she ended up with someone else. After all, there's no chance that she'll ever love me in that way. He turned and addressed the team. “Good practice everyone! Go get cleaned up and we'll see you back out here at the same time tomorrow. Hopefully in a little bit drier conditions,” he mused, earning some chuckles from the rest of the team. The rest of the team started to clear out, but Harry grabbed Ron's arm and told him quietly, “don't wait for me in the locker room. I'm going to do some extra flying.” “I'll wait for you anyway, mate,” Ron told him. “I've got some plays I want to diagram out to see if they look as good on paper as they do in my head.” “You mean there's actually something in that head of yours?” Harry teased playfully. Ron did the mature thing and stuck his tongue out at Harry. “Git,” he mumbled before strolling off to the locker room. Harry watched him go into the locker room and looked around to make sure nobody else was around before kicking off the ground and rising up 50 feet, to the same height as the hoops before slowly starting to circle the pitch, giving him time to think. Why do we need new plays if we're sure to beat Slytherin and this is our last match at Hogwarts? They'll need different plays next year to take the new players into account. Or was he trying to cover for something else he was going to do? Harry thought for a moment, then had a disgusting thought cross his mind, and his face scrunched up like he was going to be sick. I don't know if I want to know what Ron's doing right now. Why does the thought of Ron and Hermione together disgust me so much? They're my best friends. I should be happy for them if they get together. So why does it bother me so much that they fancy each other? Wait a minute, he thought to himself as he slowed down, I don't actually know if Hermione fancies Ron or not. She acts like she does at times, but she also said I'm “more fanciable than ever” last year. That's not something you'd say to the best mate of the guy you fancy. Is it? One thing's for sure. Ron has it bad for Hermione. He proved that at the Yule Ball. So even if I did fancy Hermione, I'd never admit it because I won't hurt Ron like that. Not when he's fancied her for so long. That's all irrelevant because I don't fancy Hermione anyways. Do I? Harry shook his head and sped up a little bit to try to get that thought out of his head. No! Bad Harry! She's Ron's girl, so she's off limits. Or is she Ron's girl? If Hermione doesn't like him back, then isn't it a little hard for her to be his girl? They argue an awful lot to work as a couple, anyways. She might not even fancy him, and as rough as that idea may be to him, he'll have to learn to accept it. Then again…Ron's never actually admitted to fancying Hermione either, even though it's painfully obvious that he does, so maybe he hasn't realized it yet. That's nutters. I figured it out at the Yule Ball. There's no way that he's gone three years without catching on. Harry did a couple of loops in frustration at how confusing things had become. Okay, let's allow me to entertain the thought for a moment that Ron doesn't fancy Hermione, making it fair game for me to ponder if I could ever fancy Hermione. What could possibly make me fancy Hermione? For starters, she's bloody beautiful. She may not be conventionally beautiful like Ginny or exotically beautiful like Cho, but she has a beauty of the spirit that radiates from within and enhances her natural beauty. She doesn't need to wear a lot of make-up or revealing or tight clothes to be beautiful, she already is—without even trying. Besides the superficial—she has a lot of the qualities that are very important to me in a girlfriend. She's willing to challenge me when I'm wrong or am going to make a rash decision. when I get like that, she's the only one who can get through to me. Harry smiled fondly as he remembered Hermione coming up to get him at Grimmauld Place during Christmas of their fifth year with snow still in her hair. She sure is a stubborn witch when she sets her mind to something. I am too, but my stubbornness is impulsive, whereas hers is well thought through. Harry's train of thought paused momentarily as a realization hit him. She's been at her most stubborn when it's concerned my safety. Maybe there's something to that… She's been more and more affectionate recently too. I had never really been hugged before she gave me a hug that I'll never forget at the end of our first year. Then you have to put together the kiss she placed on my cheek just before we parted fourth year and when she hugged the stuffing out of me when I got to Grimmauld Place that summer. Maybe she fancied me then and I didn't realize it because I was being hard on myself for Cedric's death and I was still hung-up on Cho at that point. If she did, that must have broken her heart—knowing that she fancied me, but I was too focused on Cho to give her a look in that way. Harry did a couple more fast loops in succession for having possibly hurt Hermione like that. “Okay, no more of that,” Harry muttered to himself with a fond smile. “Hermione wouldn't like it if I fell off my broom and broke my neck.” She's an amazingly smart witch. “The brightest witch of our age,” as others have told her. You'd think she knows about her and Ron's feelings; maybe that's why she doesn't act like she fancies me. That's if she fancies me in the first place. Harry sighed heavily and slowed down again. Still, wouldn't you only tell somebody they're “more fanciable than ever” only if you've fancied them for a while? If that's the case, then when did Hermione start fancying me and does she still? Wait a minute…if she fancies me or not is irrelevant if I don't fancy her. Maybe I'll get further if I try to figure out why I wouldn't fancy her, because I've thought of several reasons why I could fancy her. The big drawback that comes to mind immediately is that we've been best friends for seven years. Of course, the same thing would apply to Ron and Hermione. I think we'll be able to work through that fact. We might lose our friendship if we got together and things don't work out. I really don't want that to happen. I need her in my life, even if it's only as a friend. I don't know that I can find the words to express how much she means to me. There may not be words adequate to describe how I feel. She's always been better with words than I have, but she's the one person who really can't help me this time. Who could I get help from in figuring out my feelings? That's a good question. I sure can't ask Ron or Ginny because they have too much of a personal interest, and I need somebody neutral. Lavender and Parvati would inform the whole school of my feelings (whatever they are) by suppertime. Dean and Seamus only have one thing on their minds, and I'd want more than that with Hermione if I do have feelings for her. Harry sighed deeply in frustration. Who can I turn to then? Luna? She's a bit strange, but she can say really insightful things at times. Neville? He may seem innocent and unintelligent, but he's smarter than he comes across. Not to mention, he has more courage than I do when it comes to dealing with girls. Remus? He'd be a good choice, but I don't know when I'll get a chance to talk to him, and I need to talk to somebody soon or I'll go crazy! Harry threw his head back and cried out, “arrrrgh!” in frustration. Why is it so hard to figure out who I should talk through my confusion with? You'd think it'd be easier to think of someone I could turn to for advice about this! Harry flew 15-feet lower and continued slowly circling the pitch. He raised his gaze to the heavens and said aloud, “I wish you were here to help me figure this one out, dad.” A soft, warm breeze suddenly blew reassuringly in his face, causing Harry to smile. “Thanks, dad. I know you'll always be with me and help to guide me as best you can.” After a couple more laps, Harry flew about 20-feet lower and took some deep breaths. Okay. I'm going to try to avoid stressing out about this. I'll find someone to talk to eventually. Besides, Ron's probably wondering why I'm flying for so long, and Hermione's sure to be worried sick, knowing that I ended practice an hour and a half ago. Harry flew a couple more slow laps before landing gently on the ground. Sighing heavily, not looking forward to the questions Hermione was sure to ask when they got back to the common room, Harry slowly walked to the locker room. As Harry entered, he saw Ron was sitting with his back to him and his head in his hands. Harry walked over to Ron and gently touched his shoulder. “Are you alright, mate? Do we need to get you to Madame Pomfrey?” Ron shook his head. “I'm okay, mate.” “Why'd you have your head in your hands then?” Ron stood up and put a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry couldn't remember seeing a more serious expression on Ron's face, even during the final battle. “Mate, we need to talk.” --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. Operation Prat Removal A/N: Sorry for the lengthy delay. I'm a senior in college, and have a very busy life, so I don't get much time to write for fun these days. I have every intention of finishing this story and the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas”, but I have no timeline on the conclusion of those stories, or what I'll write beyond that. I finally got back to this chapter. For those who didn't realize it already, yes this story will jump around a bit time-wise as at least early on I'll be jumping between a few different points of view, so there will be events that repeat themselves, but I'm trying to paint as complete a picture as possible. I'm not sure when I'll get time to write the next chapter since I'm graduating from college in about a month. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 3: Operation Prat Removal Both my best friends are complete and utter prats. It's obvious to everyone but the two of them that they're madly in love with each other. They're as blind as bats about the painfully obvious. How can they be that bloody oblivious? Sometimes I just want to knock their heads together…maybe that would knock some sense into them. Of course, it might only make them mad at me too. It's not a good idea to get on the bad side of the most powerful witch and wizard of our age, because they could hex me to the other end of the universe…especially if they worked together, which they probably would. One of the people Ron was frustrated at called out, bringing Ron back to reality, “Alright everyone! Practice is over. We'll see you tomorrow…hopefully under drier conditions.” Ron laughed along with the rest of the team as they landed and started walking towards the locker room. Suddenly, Ron felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder and Harry's voice tell him softly, “don't wait for me in the locker room. I'm going to do some extra flying.” This is a perfect opportunity to figure out how I might be able to knock some sense into these two prats. “I'll wait for you anyway, mate,” Ron told him. “I've got some plays I want to diagram out to see if they look as good on paper as they do in my head.” “You mean there's actually something in that head of yours?” Harry teased playfully. Ron stuck his tongue out at Harry. “Git,” he mumbled as he turned and walked towards the locker room. I don't like lying to Harry, but I needed to give him a believable cover story for waiting for him. That also gives me a chance to think about how to knock some sense into those thickheads. Ron entered the locker room and plopped down on the bench in front of his locker with a heavy sigh. “What's eating you, Ron?” Seamus inquired. “Just trying to figure out how to get the two oblivious gits, otherwise known as my best friends to see the obvious.” “What? That they're head-over-heels in love?” “Yeah.” “You mean they haven't been secretly going out since third year?” Ron glared at Seamus. “Only if they haven't told me, and were cheating on Krum, Cho, and my little sister the whole time they were together!” Seamus turned red in embarrassment. “Point well taken.” “How can two people that close to each other not see that they're madly in love with the other?” Ron mused aloud. “I have no bloody idea mate. I also don't see how your sister still believes that Harry's going to get back with her. I mean, that one came out of nowhere on his side in the first place. It's almost like she slipped him a love potion or something.” Ron glared at him again. “Keep in mind that you're talking about my little sister,” he snapped. “Sorry mate,” Seamus said quickly before fleeing the locker room, leaving Ron alone with his thoughts. As much as I hate to admit it, Seamus did have a point about Harry's fling with Gin coming out of nowhere on his side. Of course, he probably wouldn't have said anything to me anyways, knowing that I tend to be a bit over-protective of her. Still, even though I may have the emotional range of a teaspoon, you'd think I'd have realized if my best mate fancied my little sister. Ron got up and walked over to the blackboard and started randomly diagramming plays as he continued to think. I mean seriously…how have Harry and Hermione not realized that they're head-over-heels in love with each other? With all the hugging and touching and grabbing and all the other mush stuff they do to each other, you'd think they'd been going out since third year! Folks say my folks are lovey-dovey on each other?! Harry and Hermione blow them off their brooms! Ron suddenly realized that the quidditch players on the blackboard had drawn a heart, and he quickly cleaned the board and went and plopped back down on the bench in front of his locker. Bother. Why can't I find somebody to love? Lavender was lust, plain and simple. Padma's a nice girl, but I ruined any chance I might have had with her at the Yule Ball. Even if Hermione wasn't Harry's things wouldn't work between us. We bicker too much for us to have a chance. Loony's not bad looking, and she seems pretty nice…but still, she's Loony Lovegood! I can't go out with her! It'd ruin my reputation. Wait a minute! I'm getting off-topic here. I'm supposed to be figuring out how I can get the bloody dense prats I also call my best friends to figure out they're in love with each other. Ron leaned back against his locker and stared at the ceiling. How do I make them see what's right in front of them? Preferably not making it painfully obvious that I'm trying to get them together. The old trick-them-into-snogging trick? Nah, I'd probably get my bits hexed off for that. Leave them alone on a Hogsmede weekend? Nope. They'd probably come looking for me instead of talking out their feelings. What if I had a date though…? Nah, that probably wouldn't work either, since they'd probably spend most of the time wondering how bad I'm mucking things up instead of talking about their feelings. And that's not even considering the question of who I'd get a date with. My options would be a bit limited. Ron suddenly sat straight up. They're both Gryffindors, so where's their bloody legendary Gryffindor courage? You'd think two people as brave as they are would have no trouble telling somebody they fancy them. So why haven't they told each other they do? Ron leaned back against his locker with a slightly cheeky grin on his face. Well…Hermione's a girl, and I have no idea how girls think, so I'm not even going to try to figure out why she hasn't told Harry. That leaves me trying to figure out why Harry won't tell Hermione that he fancies her. That's no easy feat either, and I've been his best mate for seven years. He's so bloody secretive with his feelings. It takes a Hermione to figure him out. I don't know how she does it. She has this…Harry radar that's honed in on him 24/7. I'd go nuts if I was him. Then again, he's always been the one that's tolerated her the best. No wonder she fancies him. He's such a softy when it comes to her it's not even funny. It's rather sickening actually. In a sappy way. Ron stood up and walked over to the window and watched Harry slowly circle the pitch for a few minutes. He must really be thinking about something…probably Hermione. I should have figured that was what he was going to do when he said he had some flying to do. It's not like he had to practice moves for our next match or anything, since he can trick that prize git Malfoy easier than Fred and George can prank Percy. Is he finally trying to work up the courage to admit to Hermione that he's completely, utterly, head-over-heals in love with her? Ron laughed loudly. Yeah, right! He'd rather hex Malfoy than admit to a girl that he fancies her. Especially so for Hermione since they've been best friends for seven years. Maybe the better question is: Does he know that he's in love with Hermione? Maybe not. So I need to continue with Operation Prat Removal, just in case. So where do I start? They're too smart to be lured into a plan like this too easily, so it'll have to be something really good. Let's not be too hasty to do anything though. If they're close to getting together on their own, then I should just stand back and watch it happen. That means talking with them and finding out how they feel and then figuring out what to do. Ron smirked as he walked back to his locker and sat down. Hermione would be proud of me for that one. I actually thought something through and planned ahead for once. She just wouldn't be happy with me for what finally made me do it. Ron lowered his head into his hands. I sure got myself in over my head on this one didn't I? Ron sat that way for a few minutes until the door opened and a hand touched his shoulder. “Are you alright, mate? Do we need to get you to Madame Pomfrey?” Harry asked Ron shook his head. “I'm okay, mate.” “Why'd you have your head in your hands then?” How do I explain this one to Harry? Well…I suppose there's no time like the present to get his take on his relationship with Hermione. Ron stood up with a stern expression on his face and put a hand on Harry's shoulder. “Mate, we need to talk.” Harry looked at him puzzled. “What about?” “Hermione.” --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. Plotting in Silence A/N: Thankfully this delay hasn't been as long as the last couple. I'm about to graduate from college, and am very busy, so I don't get much time to write for fun these days. I have every intention of finishing this story and the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas”, but I have no timeline on the conclusion of those stories, or what I'll write beyond that. I realize this is a shorter chapter, but it didn't lend itself to being any longer than it is without getting too repetitive. The next chapter should be a good bit longer because of something that has been anticipated for a while. Ginny does a lot of ranting against Hermione in this chapter, but if you read carefully, you'll also see the seeds for her fall planted here too. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 4: Plotting in Silence Hermione Granger is a jealous bitch! fumed a very angry Ginny as she slammed the door to her dormitory behind her. She thinks she can just waltz in and steal Harry's heart from me. Well, she has another think coming… It's not like she stands a chance to land Harry anyways. She's just an ordinary, plain-Jane bookworm that'll end up a lonely spinster. There's no boy that'll ever fancy something so ordinary. I'll never understand how she ended up going to the Yule Ball with Krum. She probably slipped him a dose of love potion and either ended up feeling guilty about doing it or forgot to keep giving it to him. Like that one day I forgot to give it to Harry was the day he broke-up with me. How was I to know that he wasn't going to eat anything on the morning of Dumbledore's funeral? I'm just biding my time until I can slip some into his morning pumpkin juice again. Ginny smirked to herself. That shouldn't be too much longer. At most it'll be a couple days. He's starting to trust me like just before we got together before, when he let me close enough to slip the first dose to him. That jealous bitch will never know what hit her and Harry will be all mine again. It's painfully obvious that she fancies him, but she'll never love Harry like I do. I've loved him since before I met him and she hadn't even heard of him before she got her Hogwarts letter. I know all sorts of things that she doesn't know about him too. Like how passionate a kisser he is. Or how his hands feel under my blouse. She also doesn't seem to get that he always will be a celebrity, no matter what. He'll always be The Man Who Triumphed. For some strange reason Hermione likes to think of him as just Harry. Ginny rolled her eyes at that thought before continuing. Then there's the fact that together me and Harry look like his mum and dad, so we're obviously meant to be together. Everyone thinks so. Anyone who doesn't is a blind idiot, especially that little bitch that thinks she can steal him away from me. I can already see me and him with a houseful of little redhead, green eyed children because he won't be able to keep his hands off me. At that moment, someone knocked on her door. “Who is it?” Ginny called out. “It's me,” Parvati answered. “Are you alone?” “Yeah. Lavender's a bit busy snogging Seamus at the moment to get the juicy gossip. Can I come in?” “Sure. Just make sure nobody sees you.” Immediately, the door opened at Parvati slipped into the room. She quickly cast silencing and locking charms and crossed over to Ginny. “Did I hear you and Harry are going to get back together soon?” she asked eagerly. “You can tell the school we're together already as far as I'm concerned,” Ginny replied arrogantly. “Don't you want to wait until Harry asks before people hear you're back together? Or are you planning on asking him out?” “Sort of both.” Parvati raised a confused eyebrow. “How's that possible?” Ginny opened up the drawer of her nightstand and pulled out a small bottle that made Parvati gasp. “I'm just going to give Harry a little push.” “You do know about the law that got passed over the summer holidays, right? The one that says you can get sent to Azkaban for that if you get caught.” Parvati said in a hushed tone. Ginny put the bottle back in her nightstand and closed the drawer. “That's why I'm not going to get caught,” she said smugly. Parvati raised an eyebrow. “Hermione was already suspicious of you tonight and she's no idiot. Aren't you afraid of her finding out?” “No, because once I'm with Harry I'll sic Ron on that little bitch to…distract her.” “And just how do you plan on doing that?” “I won't have to do anything. Ron's fancied her for years and with Harry with me, he'd surely ask her out so we can have one big happy Weasley family.” Parvati looked skeptical. “And just what makes you think she'll say yes to him if he does ask, considering she's so smitten with Harry.” Ginny smirked. “That won't be hard.” Parvati's eyes suddenly widened. “That's how you got Harry to go out with you last year, wasn't it?” I'm beginning to think Parvati belongs with her sister in Ravenclaw. I've got to distract her quick. “So what's going on between you and Dean?” Parvati glared at Ginny. “You didn't answer my question.” Ginny smiled evilly. “You aren't getting one either.” Parvati stood up and took a couple steps towards the door. “I've half a mind to go tell Hermione what you're up to right now.” Crud. I need a new tactic. FAST! “I know somebody who fancies you,” Ginny said in a sing-song voice. Parvati turned around and eagerly asked, “Who?” “I won't tell you unless you promise not to tell Hermione.” Parvati looked torn for a moment, then she skipped over and sat next to Ginny. “Alright, who is it?” “Terry Boot.” Parvati stood up quickly and rolled her eyes. “Oh please, Ginny. You just figured that out? You're more dense than Crabbe and Goyle combined. My sister told me that ages ago. They are in the same house, after all.” Parvati quickly canceled the charms and left the room, leaving Ginny alone with her thoughts once more. She'd better not tell that bitch! I can make her life miserable if she does. After all, I do have what happened between her and the Creevey brothers that I can let slip to the school if she does tell. Though…if she does tell, I'll have to find a new way to ensure that I land Harry. Not that he'll need much help. He just needs that last little shove to ask me back out. I'm not sure what's taking him so long. Maybe he has some strange fear that I'll turn him down. That's it! If Parvati rats on me, then I can use some Felix Felicis to give Harry that last little push. Ginny smiled smugly to herself. There's no way that I'll be sent to Azkaban. I'm daddy's little girl. He'll get me out of trouble if they try to send me to Azkaban. He wouldn't take the word of that jealous little bitch over mine. She deserved a whole lot more than the slap I gave her down there. If Harry wasn't so fond of her I would have pounded her into a pulp. But no…I would have made him mad if I beat-up his precious Hermione, and I don't want to make him mad which would delay when I could slip him the first dose. Maybe afterwards I can do it so we can have a passionate make-up shag… Ginny smiled dreamily for a moment before her anger returned. He did seem a bit…flirty with that bitch tonight. I wonder what that was all about…I mean, it's not possible that he could fancy her, and if she was giving him a love potion they'd be together already. I'm sure she's doing something unusual to catch his attention. I'd have to read the whole library to find out what though, and there's no way I would have time to do that before they leave Hogwarts in a few weeks. How can I…remove that bitch from the picture without it seeming too obvious that it was me? I can't kill her or anything like that because that'd get me sent to Azkaban regardless of what my dad would try to do to get me off. Harry on the other hand could kill and get away with it—just like he killed You Know Who. Come to think of it…he's never told me how he managed to do it. If I'm going to be the wife of The Man Who Triumphed, I'd better know how he defeated You Know Who. Ginny changed for bed and retired for the evening to dream about how she would capture the heart of The Man Who Triumphed. --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5. Revelations A/N: Okay, so there was a bit of a delay with this chapter too. I'm now a college graduate, so hopefully I'll have more time to write now. Of course, I do have to find a job, which will cut into my writing time. I have every intention of finishing this story and the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas”, but I have no timeline on the conclusion of those stories, or what I'll write beyond that. At the moment, the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas” looks like its going to be about six chapters long. It's still untitled, but I have about half the chapters drafted now. Ah yes, the moment that most of you have been anxiously awaiting since Chapter 1 has finally arrived…“the talk” between Harry and Ron. After this chapter, time-wise we're back to where we were when the story started and now we'll be able to move on, there may be future chapters that take place simultaneously from different character's points of view. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged. Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 5: Revelations “In the name of Merlin, why do we need to talk about Hermione?” Harry demanded bewilderedly. Ron raised an eyebrow as if to imply that Harry should know full-well why they needed to talk, but said nothing. “Let me get changed. Then we'll talk on our way back to the common room.” “You'll want to be quick. Hermione's probably worrying herself into a frenzy already that we're not back.” Harry turned and smirked at Ron as he started changing knowing how right Ron was. A few minutes later, not having bothered to shower, Harry shut his locker and turned to face Ron. “Okay, so talk.” “You've noticed the problem we have, right mate?” Ron inquired hesitantly. Problem? How's Hermione a problem? “What problem?” Harry asked confusedly. “The fact that Hermione's a girl and we're both blokes.” “Why's that a problem?” Harry asked cautiously. “So you don't have a problem with the rumors going around the school that the three of us are sneaking off at ungodly hours and having a illicit threesome every night?” What?! “Where in the world did you hear that ridiculous gossip?” “Seamus asked me about it the other night.” “Did he really?” “Stop answering my questions with questions!” Ron demanded. “Have I been?” Harry asked innocently. “Yes!” “Oh sorry, mate.” “We're getting off-topic here.” “What were we talking about again?” Harry asked cheekily. Ron glared at him. “Hermione, you prat!” “I still don't see where the problem is. You know that the gossip you mentioned was ridiculous.” “Yeah, but there's two of us and one of her, and everyone seems to think that one or the other of us is going to end up with her.” What? Why do people think I'm going to end up with Hermione? True, she understands me a lot better than Ginny does, and I know Ginny and Mrs. Weasley expect us to get back together to form one big happy Weasley family. Still, I can't help but think that it would lead to one big miserable divorce court proceeding. Neither Ginny and I or Ron and Hermione seem to be great for each other, but they're comfortable relationships. We know what we're getting from them. “She's just my best friend.” Ron raised an eyebrow at Harry, but said nothing. “What? We've only been best friends for the last six and a half years, the three of us, so you know that we're best friends.” They stepped out into the rain and started walking back towards the castle. “Mate, have you ever considered the possibility of fancying her?” Harry stopped suddenly and turned to look at Ron like he'd just told Harry that he fancied Voldemort. What?! Where did that come from? I thought he was going to ask me how to go about asking Hermione out, not if I fancy her. Sometimes I think I don't know what's going on in his head, which is sort of sad considering we've been best friends for seven years. “Why would I have given that any thought?” Harry asked in confusion. “Besides the fact that everybody but the two of you has already seen the obvious?” Obvious? “What are you on about?” Ron just shook his head at Harry in disbelief. “For as smart as you two are it's hard to believe that you're the last two to see it. I've even seen it, and I'm supposed to be the dense one!” “What has everyone else seen that Hermione and I haven't?” Ron looked at Harry like he'd grown an extra head. “If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm not going to tell you. You'll have to figure that one out on your own.” “What am I supposed to say then if I don't have a bloody clue what we're talking about?” Harry demanded. “Have you ever thought about the possibility of fancying Hermione?” “Didn't you already ask that?” Ron cuffed Harry upside the back of the head as they entered the castle. “Just answer the bloody question already!” How do I answer that? I don't want to make him mad by saying that I have, but I also don't want to lie to him and say no. This is one of those questions without a right answer. So which of the lesser of two evils do I pick? Harry turned and raised an eyebrow at Ron. “How often do you think about how much you fancy her?” Ron nearly fell over. “WHAT?! Where did you get the bloody idea that I fancy Hermione?” “The whole school's been waiting for you two to get together since the Yule Ball. With all that sexual tension that keeps rearing its head when you argue.” “I argue with Ginny like that too, and I sure don't fancy Ginny. That'd just be wrong!” Harry looked at him confused. “How did we get on to Ginny? We were talking about Hermione.” “I'm not the one picturing his best mate having an incestuous relationship.” Ron said, pretending to throw up all over the floor. Harry looked at Ron, now totally lost. “What are you saying?” “I'm saying that I think of Hermione as a sister, you thick-headed prat!” Harry's jaw dropped and no sound could come out of it. “Seriously mate, you must be going mental to think I stood a chance with Hermione anyways,” Ron added. “Wh-Wh-What? Wh-Wh-Why do you say that?” Harry stammered out after a minute. Ron rolled his eyes and shook his head at Harry. “Blind and dumb. I'm a genius at picking my best mates,” he muttered. “I don't like arguing with Hermione any more than she does with me, but we see so differently on so many things that we'd never work even if we did fancy each other.” “Just bite your tongue. She ends up being right most of the time,” Harry responded. “I know. I just can't help myself,” Ron muttered dejectedly. “Try counting to ten or something.” “Been there, done that, didn't work.” “Then I don't know how you can deal with your Weasley temper. Just try not to aggravate her. Especially with N.E.W.T.s coming up soon.” Ron nodded. “How do you know to handle girls?” Harry rolled his eyes. “I don't. Remember that little disaster called Cho? I just know Hermione really well since she's been our best friend for six and a half years.” Ron chuckled. “Oh yes, after pining after her for so bloody long it ended up being a disaster when you finally got together.” “Not that my relationship with your sister was much better. It was a nice distraction, but nothing more.” Ron paled. “I don't want to know about what it felt like when you were snogging my sister! Though that does spell the end of any chances for mum's one big happy Weasley family.” Harry chuckled softly. “That would have ended in one big miserable divorce court?” Ron doubled over laughing. “You're right! I'd never thought about it like that before. I'd just thought about how me and Hermione wouldn't have worked.” Harry grinned at Ron. “Even though you two do argue like an old married couple at times.” Ron cuffed Harry. “Prat.” Harry laughed. Ron looked at him with a scheming glint in his eyes. “What about you and Hermione?” Are we back here again? “What about Hermione and me?” “You think you might fancy her?” Ron asked smugly I'm beginning to think he already knows what I was thinking about out there. Now that I know that he doesn't fancy Hermione maybe I can talk to him about it. I did say that I needed to talk to somebody about it soon… Harry sighed. “To be honest…I don't know. I've tried to keep myself from going there because I was sure you fancied her, which made her off-limits to me. But recently, I haven't been able to help myself at times. I do know that I don't think of her as a sister, but I'm not sure that I fancy her. It'd almost be cliché…the hero ending up with his best friend.” “But is it cliché for the hero to end up with the plain looking girl?” Ron inquired. “She's not plain, she's beautiful!” Harry insisted. Ron smirked at Harry. “What?” Harry demanded. “Did you just hear yourself?” “You've lost me, mate.” Harry said confusedly. “A guy normally doesn't describe his best friend as beautiful unless he fancies her. Pretty, maybe. But certainly not beautiful.” Harry turned a light shade of red. “That's just what I'm talking about. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel towards Hermione anymore, especially now that I know that you don't fancy her. That means it's fair game for me to seriously consider if I fancy her.” “And I'm going to help you do just that.” “When did you become such an expert about feelings, oh he who has the emotional depth of a teaspoon?” Ron glared at Harry. “Do you want my help or not?” “Yeah, I needed to talk with somebody about it anyways, and since I know you don't fancy her I know now that you're safe to talk to about it.” “What's stopping you from fancying Hermione?” Harry sighed. “She's so important to me that I need her in my life, even if it's only as a friend. I wouldn't want to lose her if we tried dating and didn't work out.” Ron looked at him like he'd grown a second head. “Do you really think so little of her, mate? She's been so ga-ga over you for so long there's no way she would throw away your friendship because you didn't work as a couple.” Harry blushed embarrassedly. “There's no way she'd fancy me anyways.” Ron shook his head in disbelief. “Didn't you hear what I just said? She's been ga-ga over you for years. Of course she fancies you!” “You really think so?” Harry asked tentatively. “I'd bet my entire wizard card collection on it.” Harry smiled softly. “For you to be willing to bet something that important to you on it, it must be a sure thing.” “So are you warming up to the idea of fancying Hermione?” “Her and Luna are about the only people to see me as just Harry, instead of whomever the rest of the wizarding world thinks I am that week. I've always really appreciated that about Hermione. She's the only person who can get through to me, no matter what's going on in my head…” Ron commented aloud to whomever was within earshot as they turned into the hallway just outside the portrait of the Fat Lady. “I'd say he's already smitten.” Harry turned and glared at Ron. How dare he! I wouldn't say that I'm smitten. I may be warming up to the idea, but I'm not smitten. Am I? Thinking that Ron fancied Hermione was one of the biggest reasons I wouldn't let myself fancy her, but now that I have his blessing to fancy her… Okay, okay…so I am totally head-over-heels in love with my best friend. Harry broke out into a big silly grin. “You're right.” Ron looked so happy that Harry was beginning to worry that Ron might kiss him. Instead Ron plastered a goofy, but strange grin on his face as he gave the password and they started talking about the match with Slytherin as they entered the common room. Ron quickly broke off the conversation and walked over to say hi to Hermione as Harry paused to admire Hermione sitting peacefully on the couch taking notes for one of her classes. She looks absolutely beautiful. --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6. Sharing Secrets A/N: Okay, so there was a bit of a delay with this chapter too. I suffered from a bit of a case of writer's block while working on this chapter. I'm now a college graduate, so hopefully I'll have more time to write now. Of course, I do have to find a job, which will cut into my writing time. I have every intention of finishing this story and the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas”, but I have no timeline on the conclusion of those stories, or what I'll write beyond that. At the moment, the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas” looks like its going to be ten chapters long. It's still untitled, I recently had a creative plot muse that expanded the length from its original six chapters. After the lack of reviews for the last chapter, I almost got so discouraged that I wrote a quick summary of where this story is headed in my head and posted that and marked the story as completed. If I was rude, I'd demand reviews or I wouldn't post the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas”, but that's not the sort of person I am. I'm placing this story on paused in order to try to take on the 7 `fore 7 challenge. I might post the stories on here or I might just post them in the forums. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged. Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 6: Sharing Secrets Well, that was easier than I thought, Ron thought to himself as he made his way up the stairs to the seventh year boys dormitories to get a towel for his shower. Although…I don't know where he got the idea that I fancy Hermione or that the whole school was waiting for me and Hermione to get together. Other than Ginny, the whole school has been waiting for him and Hermione to figure out what's been obvious to the rest of us for years…that they're madly in love with each other. Harry's normally so secretive with his feelings. I didn't expect him to open up like he did once we got over the fact that I don't fancy Hermione. I figured I'd have to drag it out of him that he fancies her. As he climbed into the shower, he thought to himself. Hermione's going to be the tough nut to crack. She never wants to admit I'm right when we discuss something. Of course…it hasn't been often when I've been right. She's right most of the time and I can't keep my pride from wanting the last word. He groaned when he felt a certain part on the lower part of his body start to stir. Oh great. Not something I wanted to deal with. I don't like her like that, and I don't want to wank off to the image of somebody I think of as a sister… “Snape in a dress…Snape in a dress..” Ron muttered to himself to get the unwanted reaction to go away while picturing the image from third year in Defense Against the Dark Arts. He breathed a sigh of relief as the reaction went away. Okay, I'll allow myself to admit she's pretty, but I wouldn't want to snog Ginny and like I just told Harry, I think of Hermione the same way I think of Ginny. So how can I get Hermione to realize her feelings for Harry? She can be just as stubborn as he is, his stubbornness just took a holiday during our conversation. She might also think that I fancy her. Ron groaned at that thought. Oh please! Not her too! I thought that we'd already got it straight that I don't fancy her. Maybe she realizes Harry thought I fancied her, so she hid her feelings to avoid confusing him when You-Know-Who was still on the loose and he needed to focus. Ron shut off the shower and wandered back into his dormitory to get dressed. “Sorry about what I said earlier mate,” Seamus said from behind Ron as Ron pulled a jumper over his head. “Don't worry about it. I over-reacted. I tend to be a bit protective of my sisters.” “Sisters?” Seamus said, looking at Ron like he was lost. “Don't you only have one sister? Not counting Fleur, who's your sister-in-law.” Ron grinned sheepishly. “Sorry. I just got done pounding it through Harry's thick head that I think of Hermione as a sister and that I don't fancy her.” “Oh! So that's why he won't admit to Hermione that he's abso-bloodly-lutely smitten by her?” Ron chuckled. “Yep, but I got him straightened out now. Now I've got to figure out how to make her see it too.” “That'll be tough mate, but if you can make Harry crack you might just have a slight chance.” Ron threw a pillow at Seamus. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, mate.” Seamus chuckled. “Anytime. Have you come up with any ideas yet?” Ron shrugged. “Nope.” “Have you talked to one of her roommates about it to see if she's admitted it to any of them?” “She gets along with them as well as her bloody cat got along with Scabbers.” “Whatever happened to him?” “Scabbers?” “Yeah.” “We found out that Scabbers was really the wizard that betrayed Harry's parents in animagus form the night Sirius Black escaped just before getting the dementor's kiss third year.” “Wow!” “Sirius gave me Pig since it was his fault I lost Scabbers.” “That was nice of him. We're getting off-topic though. How are you going to get Hermione to fess up that she's smitten with Harry?” “I'll think of something. I'll be right back. I want to go check about our Transfiguration homework with her.” “Okay, mate.” ********** A few minutes later, Ron scrambled back up the stairs to the boys dormitories. Seamus looked at him in surprise when he burst in. “What's with you, mate?” “Oh…umm…Hermione…crying…no good with girls…” Seamus laughed loudly. “No wonder you can't get a girlfriend.” Ron tossed another pillow at Seamus. “Git.” “Why was Hermione crying?” “I don't know. I left Harry with her. We can ask him when he gets up here.” “You mean if they don't start snogging each others brains out?” Ron glared at Seamus. “They wouldn't do something like that in the common room. They could go just about anywhere in the castle and do that.” A loud knock on their door interrupted their conversation. “Who is it?” Ron called out. “It's me, Parvati. That you, Ron?” “Yeah. Come in.” Parvati slipped in and shut the door behind her. She turned and gave Seamus a puzzled look. “I thought Lavender was snogging you silly.” “Nope, I haven't seen her all night,” Seamus replied uneasily. “Where do you think she is?” “We can deal with that in a minute. Ron, where's Harry?” “Down in the common room dealing with an emotional Hermione.” Parvati cringed. “That's not going to make your sister very happy if she finds out.” Ron rolled his eyes. “She'll just have to deal with it. Harry doesn't fancy her like that anymore. He called her a distraction earlier tonight.” Seamus laughed, earning him a glare from Ron and Parvati, who sat down on Ron's bed next to him. “I'm going to tell you two something that you can't tell Harry or Hermione. Promise?” Ron and Seamus shot each other a confused look before nodding. Parvati turned and faced Ron. “Your sister is going to try to slip Harry a love potion in his morning pumpkin juice soon.” Seamus shouted, “Ah ha!” and was promptly silenced by a quick wave of Parvati's wand. “Ron, you're Harry's best friend, so I want you to keep a close eye on his pumpkin juice the next couple days.” Ron fiddled with his blanket. “Can't I ask Hermione to do it instead?” he pleaded. “I'm generally a bit too occupied shoveling in as much food as I can to pay much attention to things like that.” Parvati scrunched up her face as she thought, before saying, “Sure. It'll look more natural that way.” “Okay, I'll try to catch her before we go down to breakfast in the morning.” “Good.” Parvati cancelled the silencing charm on Seamus and slipped out of the room without another word. “Don't even say it, mate,” Ron threatened before laying down and quickly falling asleep. ********** Ron didn't get a chance to talk to Hermione the next morning so he kept a close eye on his sister during breakfast instead. Hermione leaned over to him and whispered to him, “What's the matter with you this morning? You're acting like Ginny got caught out with Malfoy last night.” “Later,” Ron muttered out of the corner of his mouth. ********** Later proved to be morning break. Hermione grabbed Ron and pulled him into a broom closet. “Talk. Why were you watching Ginny so closely at breakfast?” “You promise not to tell Harry this?” Hermione looked baffled, but said, “okay.” Ron scuffled his feet, then finally said, “I was told by a reliable source last night that Ginny is planning on slipping a love potion into Harry's pumpkin juice in the next couple days.” “That little…You should have told Headmistress McGonagall immediately!” “All I had was the person's word, which wouldn't have been enough for her to do anything.” “Oh, right. So we're going to have to catch her in the act.” “Looks like it.” “Okay. Just don't go staring at her like you did this morning. It'll make her suspicious.” “I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want to do it in front of Harry.” “Good idea. I wish I could do something about it now, though.” “I know. I do too.” Ron grinned schemingly. Now's the perfect time for the next part of Operation Prat Removal. “You know, Hermione…you seem more defensive of Harry than usual today.” Hermione colored slightly. “So?” “Do you fancy him?” Hermione's jaw dropped. “What?!” “Do you fancy Harry?” Hermione gave Ron a half-hearted glare. “I heard you the first time.” “So? Do you?” --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7. You Too (and You Two) This wasn't such a long wait this time. I'm trying to get this story and the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas” done so I can write my own version of book 7, which is in the planning stages right now. It's the shortest chapter so far, but I'm happy with how it turned out. I'm thinking there will only be 2 or 3 chapters left in this story now, depending on how my creative muse moves me. I was more pleased with the number of reviews for the last chapter. Keep them coming. We authors love hearing what people think of our work. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged. Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 7: You Too (and You Two) During morning break, Hermione grabbed Ron and pulled him into a broom closet. “Talk. Why were you watching Ginny so closely at breakfast?” “You promise not to tell Harry this?” Why would he be so insistent I not tell Harry something? Is Ginny pregnant with Harry's child and Ron somehow found out before Harry did? When would they have been intimate like that? Wait…wait…wait…Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Hermione. It could be something else entirely. “Okay,” she finally said Ron scuffled his feet, then finally said, “I was told by a reliable source last night that Ginny is planning on slipping a love potion into Harry's pumpkin juice in the next couple days.” What?! “That little…You should have told Headmistress McGonagall immediately!” “All I had was the person's word, which wouldn't have been enough for her to do anything.” “Oh, right. So we're going to have to catch her in the act.” “Looks like it.” “Okay. Just don't go staring at her like you did this morning. It'll make her suspicious.” “I wanted to tell you before we got there, but I didn't want to do it in front of Harry.” “Good idea. I wish I could do something about it now, though.” I'd like to wring her nasty little neck and maybe doing something that would risk getting me sent to Azkaban to that…that… I don't think there's an appropriate description for how nasty she's become. “I know. I do too.” Ron grinned in a way that Hermione knew meant trouble was ahead. He's up to something. I'm just not sure what. I need to be on my toes. “You know, Hermione…you seem more defensive of Harry than usual today.” Hermione colored slightly. “So?” “Do you fancy him?” Okay…definitely not what I expected him to ask. I expected him to have some prank up his sleeve. Wait a minute…Why is Ron asking if I fancy Harry? I figured he'd be asking if I fancy him instead. After all, he's supposedly been in love with me since fourth year. Hermione's jaw dropped. “What?!” “Do you fancy Harry?” Hermione gave Ron a half-hearted glare. “I heard you the first time.” “So? Do you?” How in the world do I answer that? I'm not usually this inarticulate. I know I don't fancy Ron, but I don't know about Harry. I hadn't even considered the idea until Ginny accused me of wanting to be Harry's girlfriend. I'm not opposed to the idea of being Harry's girlfriend, but I know that Harry would never consider me as anything more than his best friend while he knows that his other best friend fancies me. Hermione sighed. “I don't know.” Ron loudly faked a gasp. “The all-knowing Hermione Granger doesn't know something! Alert The Prophet!” Hermione smacked his shoulder. “We've already been over that, Ron. Don't start it again,” she said in annoyance. “Why are you uncertain about your feelings for him?” “I know Harry wouldn't let himself think of me like that. Not when he knows how you feel about me.” Ron leaned back against the wall. “Not you too!” he groaned. Hermione looked at him in confusion. “What do you mean by that?” “Just that I just clarified this with Harry. I think of you like I think of Ginny. You're like my sister to me. I thought you'd have figured that out with how we bickered and all.” “Why'd you just clarify that for Harry?” Does that mean what I think that means? How do I want to feel about him? Okay, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. Ron shrugged. “Guy stuff,” he said simply. “So, I'm like your sister?” Hermione asked in surprise. “That's what I just said.” “Then why did Harry make a reference to your conversation?” she inquired in her confusion. “Because he gave me some tips for how I might get along with you better, argue with you less. Then he came downstairs to us at the start of an argument.” Now why didn't I think of that? “So, are you in love with Harry?” Ron asked softly. What do I say to that? Harry means the world to me, but I don't want to lose him as a friend. I need him in my life, even if it's only as best friends. I can't bare to think what might happen if we tried to have a relationship and it didn't work. I might lose him completely. I meant it when I told him he's “more fanciable than ever” last year. He keeps getting sexier every year. He keeps becoming better husband material too, especially since he defeated Voldemort. “What if we do try being more than friends and it doesn't work, Ron? I need him in my life too much to risk our friendship like that.” Ron chuckled softly, then said, “Hermione, do you really think so little of Harry that the two of you wouldn't be able to be friends if it doesn't work? Give the bloke some credit. He of all people deserves it.” When did Ron graduate from having the emotional depth of a teaspoon to a tablespoon? Hermione grinned sheepishly. “I should. Shouldn't I?” “Yeah, you should. Besides, coming from another bloke, he looks like he's positively smitten for you.” Hermione smiled shyly. “You really think so?” she asked quietly. Ron nodded and smiled at her. “What makes you so sure?” “Little things he does that he thinks nobody notices. How his eyes automatically find you when he enters a room, a smile that gets even brighter when his eyes find you, the subtle affectionate touches, the look in his eyes as you walk by…that sort of thing.” If what Ron's saying is true, maybe there's a chance Harry could fancy me after all. The question is: Do I fancy Harry? Hermione's mind drifted to when Harry arrived at Grimmauld Place summer before their fifth year and how wonderful it felt to have Harry in her arms and to be wrapped up in his. She knew her answer and she blushed at the thought of having to admit it to their other best friend. Ron smirked. “You love him, don't you?” he asked again softly. Hermione nodded. “Good. You should tell him soon.” “I will.” Ron reached for the broom closet door when Hermione suddenly gasped. “What?” he asked. “You do realize what people are going to think if they see us come out of a broom closet together, right Ron?” Hermione said quickly. It was Ron's turn to turn red. “Oh. Hadn't thought of that now, had we Hermione?” he teased. “Was it my idea for us to come in here?” “Yep, you were the one that drug me in here,” Ron affirmed. Hermione put her head in her hands. “Oh, no!” she wailed. “What's Harry going to think of us when word gets out we were in a broom closet together?” Ron put a brotherly hand on her shoulder and smiled at her reassuringly. “Don't worry about it, Hermione. It'll work out alright.” Hermione smiled and nodded, then Ron pushed open the door. Several people gave startled gasps, most of them in the hallway, but one came from Hermione as she saw a red ponytail suddenly spin around and go running the other direction. “We're in for it now,” Hermione groaned. “I told you things will work out,” Ron said softly. “I believed that until Ginny saw us,” Hermione said. “Oh,” Ron said softly. “That might make things a little more interesting.” Hermione grabbed Ron's hand and pulled him towards the Gryffindor common room to try to do damage control. I hope Harry will understand. --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8. Acting in Joy and Fury If you didn't loathe Ginny before, you will by the end of this chapter. My apologies in advance for some disturbing mental images in this chapter (trust me, they were bad enough to write). I felt it was overdue to give this story a second listing of drama to go along with the romance because of how this story has unfolded and where it seems to be headed. Thanks for your reviews of the last chapter. It's always fun to see what other people think of your work. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged. Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 8: Acting in Joy and Fury Ginny's jaw dropped. My daft brother and Hermione coming out of a broom closet? Did he finally ask her out and she said yes. YES!!! I've got to go tell Harry. He'll want to know. That way he won't be surprised if he walks in on them snogging. Ginny started running towards the Gryffindor common room to tell Harry the good news. Now there's no reason for him to wait to ask me out. This might even be the extra push that he needed to ask. His best friends are together so he'll want to be happy, and the only person he'll be happy with is me. Ginny quickly gave the Fat Lady the password “Turtledoves!” with a smile and ran into the common room calling Harry's name. Neville quietly said to Ginny, “he's not here, Ginny. He's in the library.” Ginny looked at Neville in confusion. “Why would he be in the library when he could be snogging with me?” It was Neville's turn to look confused. “I don't know…” he mumbled before trailing off. Ginny turned around and ran back out of the common room and towards the library to tell Harry the news. I wonder what Neville was starting to say. It couldn't have been anything important. After all, Neville only cares about plants. He couldn't have anything to say to me that I'd need to know. I wonder how Harry will ask me back out. Maybe he'll just kiss me like he did last year in front of everyone in the common room. Mmm…that'd feel good. Harry's a good kisser. His lips are nice and soft, but firm. Ginny ran into the library and frantically started looking for Harry. Almost immediately Ginny ran into the loud “quiet please!” of Madam Pince. She flashed a quick half-apologetic grin at the librarian and escaped to the opposite end of the library to continue her search. Ginny wrinkled her nose at the bookish smell. There are so many better ways to spend your time than cooped up in a library. Snogging for example. Much better activity than spending time in a library. You wouldn't even want to snog in a library. A bed would be far better for snogging. Especially naked under one Harry Potter. We haven't done that yet, but it won't be long. Just before the end of break, she finally found him hunched over a book at Hermione's usual table. Why didn't I think to come here sooner? Of course he'd go to darling Hermione's table, Ginny thought sarcastically. I really don't understand how they've gotten along so well all these years. They have nothing in common. She's a bookworm and he's an athlete. She's a plain Jane and he's the hottest wizard at Hogwarts. She likes to talk and he doesn't say much. They don't have any basis for a friendship, never mind a relationship. “Harry!” Ginny called out loudly as she ran over to his table. “I've got something I'm dying to tell you.” “Can you tell me later, Ginny?” Harry asked. “I'm busy right now.” Ginny closed the book in front of him and forced herself into his lap. “There's much better things to do than study, Harry,” she said huskily. “Like what?” he asked with an edge in his voice. “Snogging the hottest witch at Hogwarts!” “I didn't know you played for that team, Ginny,” Harry said dryly. Playing hard to get is he? “I'm the hottest witch at Hogwarts, you silly goose. You could be snogging me!” “And why would I want to do that?” Harry asked half-amusedly. “So you have somebody to be with now that my dumb, blind brother finally saw what was right in front of him and asked Hermione out.” Harry pushed her off his lap and put the book in his bag. “And what evidence would you have for that?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “I just saw them come out of a broom closet together on the fourth floor! Her hair was awfully disheveled, even for normal, and both their faces were red.” Harry broke out laughing and stood up. “Really Ginny! You've got to come up with a better story than that before throwing yourself at me.” WHAT?! Throwing myself at him?! What sort of girl does he think I am? Ginny's face flushed in anger. “I'm not some loose woman, you thick headed prat! You're just as dumb as Ron and twice as blind!” “Mr. Potter! Miss Weasley! If you're going to quarrel, you need to take it outside. I will not allow you to disturb students trying to study for their exams—as you should be doing Mr. Potter.” Madam Pince's voice cried out as she walked quickly over to them. “Now get out of my library!” “Gladly, Madam Pince. I was trying to study before this scarlet woman threw herself at me.” Harry said angrily before storming out of the library. He called me a WHAT?! That jealous little bitch is the scarlet woman. That Skeeter woman was right about her. She's just playing for attention from any man who'll give it to her. I almost feel sorry for my prat brother for getting stuck with her, but no one else will give him a second look either. Wait a minute…why did Harry laugh when I told him that they'd gotten together? I'm sure he's seen it coming for years because we discussed it while we were together last year. Harry can be so difficult to understand at times. And honestly. Studying? He really needed to come up with a better excuse than that for being in the library. It was obvious he was up to some sort of mischief. Harry doesn't study. That jealous little bitch and scarlet woman studies. Studies flat on her back with her skirt around her waist for any man who'll pay any attention to her. She better not be carrying Harry's baby. Maybe that's why he's been so attentive to her recently. This calls for drastic action. I'm going to have to resort to using that love potion to get Harry back from her. I just have to be careful so as to not get caught. Ginny touched her belly and quickly pulled it away with a shutter. I never want to have children. It'd ruin my figure, and the witch that's on Harry's arm has to look the part, after all. So that jealous little bitch obviously doesn't qualify since she's so plain looking. Ginny fumed as she stormed back to the Gryffindor common room, so furious that she never even considered going to her Transfiguration class. “Wait up, Ginny!” another female voice called out as she stormed up the stairs to her room, slamming the door behind her. Parvati burst in a moment later. “What's the matter, Ginny?” she asked. “Harry get a girlfriend or something?” Ginny's eyes flashed with anger as she turned on Parvati. “He had the nerve to call me a scarlet woman. To Madam Pince of all people!” Parvati quickly cast locking and silencing charms on the room. “You're going to use it, aren't you?” she asked quietly. “I don't have any other choice. He's mine! And that jealous little bitch isn't going to steal him away from me, even if she's carrying his child! She's the scarlet woman!” “What makes you think that?” Parvati asked in confusion. “Why else would he be paying more attention to her recently? She'd study on her back with her skirt around her waist for any man who pays attention to her, my prat brother included!” Parvati contemplatively looked at Ginny for a moment, then asked, “When do you plan to do it?” “Tomorrow at breakfast,” Ginny snapped fiercely. “I can't afford to wait any longer than that so she doesn't damage him any more than she already has.” Parvati looked at Ginny for another minute, then turned to take off the charms. Before she could Ginny shouted, “You'd better not tell that jealous little bitch!” Parvati softly said, “I won't.” Ginny pulled her wand. “You're bloody right you won't! I'll make sure of that!” she said angrily. Suddenly Ginny pointed her wand at Parvati and screamed out “Crucio!” Parvati cried out in pain as she fell to the floor. Her body writhing in agony as the torture curse did its work on her body. After a minute, Ginny removed the curse. “Swear you won't tell that jealous little bitch?” she demanded furiously. Parvati could only nod weakly. Then Ginny undid Parvati's charms and levitated her body out into the hallway and let it drop on the stairs. Ginny gave a satisfied smirk as she listened to the steady thumping sound of Parvati's body rolling down the stairs to the common room. There's no way she'll tell anyone now. --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9. Setting the Trap Here's an early Christmas present for you all. Forgive my lengthy delay. My muse for this story left me for a bit, and I was working on a couple other projects at the same time. One project I'm working on is the sequel to “All I Want for Christmas” and the other is my version of book 7. Plus, I've now found a job and don't have much time to write. As I prepared to write this chapter, something came to me. JKR said in an interview once that she wanted her girls to be Hermiones. So, she wants her girls to be crying puddles of goo that allow their men to emotionally abuse them? I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy, never mind my daughters—if I ever have any. Some role model JKR wants for her children. If somebody wants to take that and make a point of it on the discussion board, go right ahead (if it hasn't been already). I haven't been to the discussion board since the-book-that-does-not-exist came out and have no intentions of returning there. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged. Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 9: Setting the Trap Ron was relaxing in the common room during a free period, when he knew he was supposed to be doing his Transfiguration homework that was due tomorrow, when suddenly Colin burst into the common room. “Ron, I've been looking everywhere for you!” Colin said excitedly, “Madame Pomfrey wants to see you in the hospital wing right away!” What? Why would she want to see me so urgently? Has my sister or Harry gotten hurt or something? If it's Harry, then why wouldn't Colin be looking for Hermione instead? “What does she want?” “She wouldn't tell me,” Colin answered. “She just said that you were needed immediately. She looked quite frazzled about something though.” What happened to Ginny? Ron leaped to his feet, sprinted out of the common room and down to the fourth floor and the hospital wing. Upon bursting through the doors, Ron looked around but didn't see Ginny or Madame Pomfrey anywhere. Was it so bad that they had to take her to St. Mungo's? How could she have gotten hurt that badly? Of course, I don't know what class she was in. She could have had a potion go badly wrong or something like that. Just as Ron started to look more closely at the beds to see who was in the hospital wing right now, he caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye, and turned his head to see Madame Pomfrey coming back into the room from her office. “Where's my sister?” Ron asked anxiously. “How bad is she hurt?” “Ginny?” Madame Pomfrey asked confused. “I didn't call you here because she got hurt.” Huh? Why did she need me here if she's not hurt? “Is it Harry?” “As far as I know Mr. Potter is in good condition for once.” “Then why did you need to see me right away?” Ron asked completely baffled. Madame Pomfrey motioned for him to follow her, and Ron did hesitantly. What does she want me to see? If my sister and Harry are both fine, who does she want me to see? Madame Pomfrey stopped and gestured towards a bed. Ron gasped a minute later as he finally realized who it was. What happened to her? Who did this? Why would they do this to Parvati? Ron looked up in confusion at Madame Pomfrey as the stood by Parvati's bed. “What happened?” Madame Pomfrey sighed. “It's hard to say. Miss Patil was found at the base of the stairs from the girls' dormitory in the Gryffindor common room. She's sustained some broken bones and a concussion from her tumble down the stairs, but there's also internal injuries from a curse. It's like somebody used the Cruciatus Curse on her, but nobody would have done that in the dormitories.” What? Who would be stupid enough to use an unforgivable in the dormitories? It has to be a combination of curses that reacted in a similar way. Only somebody with the mental capacity of a six-year-old would do something so idiotic. Ron walked over next to Parvati and took her hand. “Why did you call me though? Why not her sister?” “She regained consciousness long enough to ask for you for some reason that we weren't able to find out before she passed out again.” “Who's we?” “The Headmistress and myself.” Madame Pomfrey said before conjuring up a chair for Ron to sit on, allowing Ron to sit while awaiting for Parvati to regain consciousness. Who might have done this? I don't know anyone that would have any reason to do this to her. She hardly looks like herself, she's so cut and bruised. And to suggest a fellow Gryffindor used an unforgivable on her?! It's impossible to believe that anybody would do that to someone in their own house…well, maybe some Slytherins would, but definitely not a Gryffindor. Who might have motivation to do this? Maybe Hermione would have some clue. After all, they've been dormmates for the last seven years. As if on cue, Hermione rushed into the hospital wing. “Where's Harry? What's happened to him now?” Ron stood up to take Hermione into his arms. “As far as Madame Pomfrey knows, Harry's just fine. I was called here because someone attacked Parvati and she apparently asked for me when she briefly regained consciousness.” Hermione conjured up another chair and sat down next to Ron. “What happened to her?” Ron proceeded to fill her in on what Madame Pomfrey had told him. When he'd finished, she looked at her dormmate with pity. “I don't know,” Hermione said softly. “She may be a gossip, but she's harmless and everyone knows that. Nobody had a grudge against her or was mad at her or anything like that.” Ron suddenly turned pale. She did have that warning for me about Ginny trying to slip Harry a love potion soon. Could that have upset Ginny that Parvati had found out? I don't want to believe that my own sister would do something like this, but if she's willing to do something illegal like putting a love potion in Harry's pumpkin juice, is there anything that she wouldn't do? She's always been a spoiled brat, so maybe we should have seen something like this coming. Still, how could she do something so selfish as to attack a fellow Gryffindor to protect her evil plans? “Ginny,” Hermione whispered so softly that Ron almost didn't hear her, and turned to see Hermione was looking at his face. “You think it may be Ginny that did this, don't you?” Ron nodded somberly, not trusting himself to say anything. “Oh, Ron!” Hermione breathed, giving him a brief hug that had Ron feeling a bit uneasy. “She's changed so much these last couple years, I'm not sure that I really know her anymore,” he said quietly, so as to not be overheard by wandering ears, as he turned to look at Hermione. “She seems so determined to end up with Harry, though they don't really have much in common other than quidditch. Do you think she could have done something like this?” Hermione shook her head in bewilderment. “Two years ago, I would have told you there was no way that it was Ginny. But now, with her planning to use a love potion to get Harry back, there's no telling where she'd stop.” Hermione conjured a chair and sat down on the opposite side of the bed just as Madame Pomfrey came back over. “Ah, Miss Granger. Hopefully you can help us get to the bottom of this, as Miss Patil has been your dormmate for the last seven years.” She'd better not share our suspicion about Ginny. I'd try to hex her into next week if she did…of course, I'd be the one that'd end up getting hexed—and into next year, at that. I'll have to come up with something better if… “I'm sorry, Madame Pomfrey,” Hermione lied. “I'm just as clueless as to who's behind the attack.” Madame Pomfrey frowned. “Alright. Just make to notify me as soon as she wakes up. Maybe she'll remember something about her attacker.” I hope we're not right, Ron thought as Madame Pomfrey walked back to her office. It'd kill mum and dad if Ginny got herself locked up in Azkaban, especially mum. She knows that too, so why would she stoop to doing something like this? Is she that desperate to be with Harry when everyone else knows that it's just a matter of time until my two best friends start snogging all over the place? After an hour of sitting silently next to Parvati's bed with Hermione, Headmistress McGonagall walked in to the hospital wing and joined them. Harry also made a brief visit to check with Ron about quidditch practice that afternoon, but Ron had to tell him he might not make it. How long are we going to have to sit here waiting for Parvatti to wake up? Now I'm beginning to understand what Hermione feels like whenever Harry gets hurt and ends up in the next bed. It's great that Madame Pomfrey put his name on that bed, even Harry got a laugh out of it. About twenty minutes after Headmistress McGonagall arrived, Parvatti finally started to stir. After being looked over by Madame Pomfrey, Ron turned to her. No time like the present. “Why'd you ask for me earlier? When you woke up for a minute?” Parvati breathed out in a raspy voice, “Ginny…tomorrow…Harry…” before starting to cough harshly, drawing Madame Pomfrey's attention. The nurse gave Parvati a cough suppressant and dreamless sleep potion so she wouldn't have nightmares about the attack. Ron chanced a glance at Headmistress McGonagall, who he was surprised to see looked totally shocked at the three words Parvati had said. “Did Miss Patil just imply that someone from my own house used an unforgivable curse on her? And over a plan regarding Mr. Potter at that?” the Headmistress managed to get out. Hermione looked at Ron anxiously before responding. “We didn't really have enough evidence to say anything, especially since Ginny is Ron's sister, but she was our leading suspect.” Before the Headmistress or Madame Pomfrey could speak up, Hermione plowed ahead at full speed. “I want you two to promise not to say or do anything until after breakfast tomorrow. We may have a case against her for the unforgivable if we check her wand, but what Parvati was telling Ron was that Ginny plans to try to slip a love potion into Harry's pumpkin juice at breakfast tomorrow morning. And as much as I don't want to have to do it because Ginny used to be a good friend of mine, and I know that it will destroy Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, but I don't know Ginny any more. The war changed her as a person for the worse. She took looking out for what she wanted before anything else, including defeating Voldemort. We need to stop her now before she does anything to hurt anybody else.” Headmistress McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey reluctantly nodded. “Very well, Miss Granger,” the Headmistress answered. “We'll let you spring your trap on Miss Weasley, as long as you promise to keep a close eye on her and Mr. Potter in the morning to make sure nothing happens to him. Madame Pomfrey will have a love potion antidote on hand just in case. And we'll also have a couple of Order members join us as a precaution.” Tomorrow everything will come to a head. I'd better write mum and dad tonight to let them know what's about to happen and ask them not to interfere until they get word from McGonagall. --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10. Cat Fight I'm sorry for the long wait, folks. I've had very little time to work on fan fiction over the last several months and most of the time I have had has been spent working on developing an initial outline for my version of book 7. I'm nearing the completion of the first draft of my outline (next up, chapter 31), so I figured I'd better get back to writing this story. For those still reading this: don't worry, I'm going to finish this. The way it looks right now, there are three chapters left after this one. And everything is about to come to a head. Yes, this is a short chapter, but things start to come to a head here. The rest of the chapters should be longer as they're the aftermath of what happens here. I tried to lengthen this chapter, but it shouted back at me that short and simple was best for this one. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged. Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 10: Cat Fight Ginny stalled in her room the following morning to make sure that Harry would be at breakfast when she arrived in the Great Hall. She made sure her make-up was on perfectly and that her blouse hugged her curves tighter than usual. I have to look like I belong on Harry's arm after all, she told herself. After all, that's where I'll be by the end of the day. That jealous bitch will never know what hit her until it's too late for her to do anything about it. Harry will be all mine!!! Reaching into her pocket to make sure she had the small bottle of love potion in her pocket, she smiled to herself. This is the moment I've been waiting for since Harry broke up with me at Dumbledore's funeral. The moment I get him back. Figuring that Harry would be eating breakfast then, she made her way down to breakfast, making sure to swing her hips enticingly as she entered the Great Hall to get the attention of all the boys to make Harry jealous. Harry was leaning across the table, smiling at something Hermione was saying. Ginny fumed. Oh, I can't wait for that little slut to get what's coming to her. She deserves to have Harry stolen right out from under her nose. Then once I've weakened their friendship, I'll curse her into oblivion and her precious Harry won't lift a finger to help her. She flung herself down in the seat next to Harry and wrapped an arm around him. “Good morning, Harry, dear!” Harry smiled awkwardly. “Oh, hi Ginny,” he responded. “Oh, come on Harry,” Ginny said angrily. “That's no way to greet your girlfriend. Come on,” she said leaning her cheek towards him, “give me a kiss.” “How many times do I have to tell you, you're not my girlfriend anymore, Ginny,” Harry answered with an edge to his voice. “So quit acting like it.” “Oh, please,” Ginny snorted. “I know you want me, so quit trying to deny it. We're made for each other my little Harry-poo,” she added stroking his arm. “He told you to back off, Ginny,” Hermione stepped in. “Or do I have to help you do it?” Oh no, she didn't just jump into this conversation uninvited. I'm going to have to tell her off and find a way to slip Harry the love potion. This may prove more challenging than I first thought. “Let the man speak for himself,” Ginny retorted. “Woah, cat fight,” Ron murmured just loud enough to be heard. “If it wasn't for the fact that it's my best friend and my sister, I might have been oddly turned on by this.” Both Hermione and Ginny shot him infuriated glares. “We are not having a cat fight, Ronald Weasley,” Hermione said. “Stay out of this, Ron,” Ginny chimed in, “or I may have to Bat Bogey you.” Ron paled and turned back to his plate and resumed eating. “Both of you calm down,” Harry said soothingly. “I don't want to be hit by a stray hex here between you two.” “That won't be necessary, Harry,” Hermione answered. “Ginny doesn't have the nerve to try to hex me, because she knows she'll lose.” “Bring it on,” Ginny snapped at Hermione. “I wouldn't need to say two spells to have you begging for mercy.” “I'm tougher than you think, Ginny,” Hermione retorted. “I was the one standing by Harry's side when he faced Voldemort. And just where were you? Crying in your mother's arms because you couldn't take it anymore. Harry needs somebody stronger than that to stand by his side.” “I was only crying over Charlie's death and you know it!” Ginny screamed. “I would have been right there with you two if it wasn't for that. Besides, Harry needs somebody beautiful enough to be worthy of him, and that's definitely not you!” “Both of you stop it!” Harry yelled, then he turned and pulled Hermione into a hug and whispered into her ear, making Ginny even more furious. This is my chance to slip the love potion in Harry's pumpkin juice, while both he and the jealous bitch are distracted and Ron's too busy stuffing his face with food. Harry will be MINE by the end of the day!!! Discretely slipping the bottle out of her robes, Ginny poured a couple drops of the love potion into Harry's pumpkin juice, making sure to keep an eye on him and Hermione so that they didn't catch her in the act. Quickly Ginny slipped the bottle back into her robes and turned to resume eating. She kept one eye on Harry's pumpkin juice to make sure that he drank from it, thus ensuring her victory over Hermione. Just a matter of seconds and Harry will be mine forever, Ginny thought smugly. He'll need to take a drink after whispering to that jealous bitch, not realizing that I've given him the help he needs to ask me out again. And that jealous bitch will have no idea what I've done, she'll have no choice but to believe that he fell for my womanly charms that she lacks. As Harry turned back to his breakfast after finishing his conversation with Hermione, Ron cleared his throat. Ginny looked up in surprise. Ron never clears his throat. What's he up to? Did he see me put the potion in Harry's pumpkin juice? And why would he say anything? He wants me to end up with Harry so Harry would be out of his way for landing that jealous little bitch. Not that she's a catch. Even Luna, as crazy as she is, would be a better catch than that little slut. Just then, Hermione grabbed Harry's pumpkin juice and screamed, “don't drink that, Harry!” What??? --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11. Not Going Anywhere There is obviously no excuse for this long of a delay. I hope some of you are willing to forgive me and keep reading. Real life has kept me busy, and most of the little time I've had to work on fan fiction has been spent on finishing a rough outline for my version of Book 7. I also intend to finish my sequel to “All I Want for Christmas” which is still untitled at this point. There are two chapters left of this story following this one. When I post the last chapter of this story, I'll be looking for betas for my sequel to AIWfC, so if you might be interested you'll want to go re-read that story at some point. This is the first time I've written an on-page “battle,” if you can call it that. You've probably all been expecting something like this to play out with what happened at the end of the last chapter. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged. Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 11: Not Going Anywhere Hermione woke up the next morning with an intense feeling of anticipation. Ginny better not succeed today. Thankfully Ron knows I have to keep an eye on her. She's become almost as bad as Bella over the past couple of years. I don't know my former best female friend anymore. Hermione quickly dressed and headed down to the Gryffindor common room to meet Harry and Ron. “Good morning, Hermione,” Harry called out cheerfully as she walked into the common room. Merlin, I wish I could jump him right now. He looks so handsome, even if it's only his school robes. “Good morning, Harry,” Hermione responded cheerfully before giving Harry a quick kiss on the cheek. They quickly made their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast, excitedly talking about their day, with Hermione rambling on about their Defense and Charms classes, and Ron getting a word in every once in a while about their last practice for their final quidditch match at Hogwarts against Slytherin, which was the next day. Harry and Hermione sat down on one side of the table, with Ron across from them. Hermione looked around before filling her plate and saw that Ginny wasn't there yet, so Hermione tucked in to eat. Ron, as usual, was shoveling food down almost as fast as he could put it on his plate. Harry rolled his eyes. “Ron, make sure you leave some food for everybody else, will you?” “Sure thing, mate,” Ron said with a mouthful of food. “That's disgusting, Ronald!” Hermione said wincing at the sight. Harry laughed. “Too true, Hermione.” Hermione smiled at him. “At least some people around here have manners.” Harry smiled cheesily back. “Only for you, milady.” Hermione giggled and lightly slapped Harry's arm. “I know you, Harry. You'd be just as chivalrous for any other girl here.” Harry shrugged. “Maybe not for some Slytherins, but most of the ones left in that house aren't bad.” Ron swallowed then said, “Who are you and what have you done with the real Harry?” Harry and Hermione laughed. “I haven't gone anywhere, Ron,” Harry retorted. “If you want proof, just ask me something only the real Harry would know.” Ron stuffed a forkful of food in his mouth as he thought for a moment. “Who were you dreaming about last night?” Harry dropped his fork. “Do you even know the answer to that?” Ron smirked. “Yep, mate. You were moaning her name quite loudly.” He glanced over at Hermione. “I'm surprised they didn't hear you up in the girls' dormitories.” Harry turned a shade of red that matched Ron's hair and tried to look everywhere but at Hermione. Harry's quite embarrassed about everybody in his room knowing who he was dreaming about last night. I wonder if it was me. He doesn't want to look at me now for some reason. “Ronald Weasley, you are an immature prat!” Hermione exclaimed. “Even if you do know who Harry was having erotic dreams about last night, it's not something you should talk about in front of mixed company. “Besides, how flustered you've made Harry proves that it's the real Harry. An imposter wouldn't get nearly as flustered by that.” “Yeah Ron,” Harry added on, still blushing. “Who I dreamed about is something that shouldn't be discussed in front of a lady.” Ron smirked at Hermione. “Aren't you curious who it was?” Hermione blushed. “A bit. So who was it, Harry?” Harry leaned over and smiled cheekily at her before whispering in her ear. “Wouldn't you like to know?” Ginny suddenly flopped down next to Harry and wrapped an arm around him. “Good morning, Harry dear!” Go play with Voldemort, Ginny. Harry smiled awkwardly. “Oh, hi Ginny,” he responded. “Oh, come on Harry,” Ginny said angrily. “That's no way to greet your girlfriend. Come on,” she said leaning her cheek towards him, “give me a kiss.” “How many times do I have to tell you, you're not my girlfriend anymore, Ginny,” Harry answered with an edge to his voice. “So quit acting like it.” I could so kiss him senseless right now. “Oh, please,” Ginny snorted. “I know you want me, so quit trying to deny it. We're made for each other my little Harry-poo,” she added stroking his arm. Ugh. She's getting disgusting. Somebody needs to stop this. “He told you to back off, Ginny,” Hermione stepped in. “Or do I have to help you do it?” “Let the man speak for himself,” Ginny retorted. “Woah, cat fight,” Ron murmured just loud enough to be heard. “If it wasn't for the fact that it's my best friend and my sister, I might have been oddly turned on by this.” Ronald did not just say that! Both Hermione and Ginny shot him infuriated glares. “We are not having a cat fight, Ronald Weasley,” Hermione said. “Stay out of this, Ron,” Ginny chimed in, “or I may have to Bat Bogey you.” Ron paled and turned back to his plate and resumed eating. “Both of you calm down,” Harry said soothingly. “I don't want to be hit by a stray hex here between you two.” “That won't be necessary, Harry,” Hermione answered. “Ginny doesn't have the nerve to try to hex me, because she knows she'll lose.” “Bring it on,” Ginny snapped at Hermione. “I wouldn't need to say two spells to have you begging for mercy.” Outside of using another unforgivable there's no way she can fulfill that statement. “I'm tougher than you think, Ginny,” Hermione retorted. “I was the one standing by Harry's side when he faced Voldemort. And just where were you? Crying in your mother's arms because you couldn't take it anymore. Harry needs somebody stronger than that to stand by his side.” “I was only crying over Charlie's death and you know it!” Ginny screamed. “I would have been right there with you two if it wasn't for that. Besides, Harry needs somebody beautiful enough to be worthy of him, and that's definitely not you!” “Both of you stop it!” Harry yelled, then he turned and pulled Hermione into a hug. “You know you don't have to worry about her taking your place, Hermione,” Harry whispered in her ear. “Nobody will take your place in my life.” Hermione struggled to keep the color of her face from turning red. Mmm…Harry whispering in my ear like he is is so intimate. Ok…stopping myself there, before I start thinking about Harry and I doing other intimate things. “Someday you'll find a girl that you want to marry, Harry,” Hermione protested in a whisper. “And she'll be more important to you than I am.” “I could always marry you,” Harry whispered back with a twinkle in his eyes. Be careful, Harry. I just might hold you to that. A moment later, Harry let go of Hermione, and they both returned to their breakfast. Immediately Ron started clearing his throat. Strange. Ron never clears his throat. Did Ginny try something when Harry and I were talking to each other just now? Hermione looked at Ron, who as subtly as possible nodded in Ginny's direction. She did it. Wait! I have to keep Harry from drinking his pumpkin juice. Harry's goblet was already halfway to his mouth, but Hermione's hand shot out and grabbed it from his hand as she screamed out, “don't drink that, Harry!” Harry looked up at her startled. “What? Why not?” Ginny's face paled and she quickly started to gather her things to leave as quickly as possible. “Oh no, Ginny,” Hermione said threateningly. “You're not going anywhere.” “Try and stop me then,” Ginny retorted. “Stupefy!” Hermione cried out. “Protego!” Ginny responded just in time for her shield to absorb Hermione's stunner. The doors to the Great Hall slammed shut and Ginny looked around for another escape route. “You don't try to love potion Harry and get away with it while I'm around Ginevra!” Hermione screamed. The cry of outrage from the other students, especially the female ones, was unmistakable. The staff, along with Tonks and Shacklebolt, who'd come as reinforcements, started making their way towards Ginny and Hermione. Several near simultaneous “Stupefy!” and “Expelliarmus!” cries rang out from the students, both male and female. Ginny barely got a shield up in time to deflect the roughly dozen spells that flew her direction. “You think you're so special, don't you Hermione? Some day, some witch will come along and steal Harry right out from under your snotty little nose and you won't even realize it until it's too late. You're lucky Parvati squealed to you, otherwise I'd have succeeded in winning Harry back this morning.” Hermione laughed. “You've lost it, Ginny. Parvati didn't tell me anything until after you tortured her, and that was only because Madame Pomfrey called for me, figuring that whatever Parvati wanted to talk to Ron about was something I would want to know too. “Besides, you've apparently gotten so wrapped up in your image of Harry as some superhero that you've blinded yourself to the fact that he doesn't want to be looked at that way. He wants to be seen as a normal boy. One, I might add, that is not a prize to be won. True, any girl would be lucky to be on his arm, but Harry is the one who gets to choose who is lucky enough to have that distinction, not a selfish, scheming witch. Especially a witch who has a one-way ticket to Azkaban with her name on it.” “You'll never get to enjoy a future with Harry, you jealous little bitch!” Ginny screamed in anger. “Avad…” Ginny never got the chance to finish the curse, as a beam of red light suddenly hit her from across Gryffindor table, knocking her out cold. Hermione glanced over just as Ron was putting his wand back in his robes. “Serves her right, I reckon,” he muttered. “She might have been my sister, but I don't know who she is anymore.” Harry squeezed Hermione's hand as he smiled up at her. “Thanks,” he said softly. Headmistress McGonagall walked up to them and picked up Harry's pumpkin juice. “We'd better move this to my office, Mister Potter, Miss Granger, Mister Weasley. We have some questions we need to ask of Miss Weasley. Nymphadora, would you please levitate Miss Weasley's body behind us to my office. Horace, fetch us some Veritaserum and meet us in my office.” Tonks flushed, but pointed her wand at Ginny's body. “Incarcerous!” Ropes shot out of her wand and bound Ginny's hands and feet. Shacklebolt picked up Ginny's wand and started following McGonagall to her office. Harry, Hermione, and Ron started following McGonagall and Shacklebolt towards the Headmistress' office. Tonks levitated Ginny's body behind them. Hermione took Harry's hand in hers as they walked. Even if Harry never loves me back in the way I love him, he deserves far better than Ginny. He deserves someone who loves him for who he is, not somebody who wants to manipulate him. I hope he loves me back someday though. --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12. Delusions Disillusioned I definitely didn't intend for this chapter to take this long to put together, but real life and a brief distraction with the Grissom/Sara ship on CSI, when combined with a case of writer's block kept me from getting this chapter up sooner. I have nobody to blame but myself. Though, you also get rewarded with what is by far the longest chapter of this story. I hope that it makes some things clearer. I will say that I already know that I have two separate ideas for the final chapter of this story, and I'll probably write both out, so it might take a bit longer than I'd like to get the final chapter posted. I will say that if, after I post the original ending, enough people review saying they want to read the alternate ending, I'll post it as well. Please read and review. More reviews encourage faster updates (real life permitting, of course). Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged. Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Chapter 12: Delusions Disillusioned Upon arriving in Headmistress McGonagall's office, she promptly conjured a chair that Tonks lowered into the chair then tied down with a Binding Charm. Hermione set to work conjuring up a couple of couches for people to sit on where they could look at Ginny as they interrogated her. Suddenly Ron's eyes were drawn to a couple of people standing by the Headmistress' desk. Blimey! I figured that Mum and Dad would be called in, but I didn't expect Ol' McGonagall to have them here waiting for us. Though I suppose they would have had Ginny for using the Cruciatus on Parvati, even if she hadn't got caught trying to give Harry a love potion. Harry looked up and saw Molly and Arthur too. “I'm so sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley,” he said softly. Hermione wrapped Harry up in a tight hug as Molly and Arthur walked over to him. “This is not your fault, Harry,” Hermione insisted. “Hermione's right, Harry dear,” Molly chimed in. “I don't know what possessed Ginny to make the choices she did, but they were her choices all the same, and now she's going to have to pay the penalty for what she did.” Arthur looked at McGonagall. “Any idea where Ginevra got the love potion, Minerva?” McGonagall shook her head. “I was actually hoping that you might have some idea,” she replied. “No matter. Miss Weasley herself can provide us with that answer once Horace gets here with the Veritaserum.” I'm surprised at how well Mum and Dad are taking this. They seem way too calm, especially Mum. I thought she'd be going spare right now. Hermione guided Harry over to a couch and sat him down, never relinquishing her tight grip on his arm. Ron sat down on the other side of Harry and nodded grimly at him. I can't say I blame Harry for not wanting to look at Ginny right now. I wouldn't want to look at somebody who had tried to give me a love potion either, especially if I thought they were a friend. And Harry's the last bloke that needs to deal with this sort of thing. He's been through enough trouble with You-Know-Who to have a friend betray him like this. Hermione kept whispering to a still-dazed Harry as Slughorn entered the Headmistress' office. Whatever she was saying to Harry was evidently having some effect, as he was starting to relax a little bit. “Are you ready to get some answers, Minerva?” Slughorn asked. McGonagall looked at Harry. “Are you ready for Miss Weasley to be questioned, Mister Potter?” Harry sighed and shot a quick glance at Hermione and an apologetic glance at Molly and Arthur. “Let's get it over with,” Harry said reluctantly. Slughorn dripped three drops of Veritaserum into Ginny's mouth. Tonks followed with an “Ennervate!” to counter the Stunner Ginny had been placed under. Ginny instantly started struggling against the ropes that bound her to the chair. “Ginevra Weasley!” Molly screeched, instantly causing Ginny to freeze in terror. “Have you any idea how ashamed of your actions your father and I are right now?” “I thought I was going to give you what you wanted, Mum, a big happy family,” Ginny said through tears, drawing a snort from Ron. “And even if I got caught, Dad should be able to get me off.” Woah! Where in the world did Ginny come up with an idea as illogical as Dad getting her off for an Azkaban worthy offense, never mind the Unforgivable. She's either gone nutters or has visions of being Voldemette. “I don't hold nearly the sway at the Ministry that you believe me to have, Ginevra,” Arthur replied soberly. “And you should have realized full well that any action you took against somebody as famous as Harry would get you into more trouble than I could get you out of.” “Where did you get the love potion, Miss Weasley?” McGonagall asked. “I copied the directions and ingredient list from a book Mum had in the attic at home, and got the ingredients from Diagon Alley before school started.” “Merlin's beard,” Molly muttered. “I thought that I'd gotten rid of that book.” “Where did you brew the potion?” Hermione demanded. “In Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, since the three of you didn't need it anymore. I knew that you were the only students brave enough to go in there.” Other than Ferret Face, Ron muttered darkly to himself. “What did you hope to accomplish by using a love potion on Mister Potter?” Shacklebolt asked. “To make Harry come to his senses and get back together with me, so Ron would get the courage to ask the jealous little bitch out, and Mum could get her big happy family.” Harry, Ron, and Hermione all snorted, earning amused looks from the adults. “What indication has Harry given you recently that he fancies you?” Ron asked. “He promised to come back to me after the war was over,” Ginny insisted. “No, I didn't Ginny,” Harry corrected. “I broke-up with you to protect you, but I never promised we'd get back together. We've both changed, and you definitely for the worse. I meant it when I called you what I did in the library.” Ginny's mouth hung open in shock, but it quickly shut as Tonks asked, “Do you know what the penalty for using a love potion on someone without their consent is?” “Yes,” Ginny responded. “Up to 25 years in Azkaban and the snapping of their wand.” “Was it your intention to use the love potion on Harry?” Ron asked. “Yes,” Ginny answered unremorsefully. “Moving on to a different topic,” Shacklebolt broke in. “Did you meet with Miss Parvati Patil in your dormitory room yesterday afternoon?” “Yes,” Ginny responded. “What happened in your room?” McGonagall demanded. “She asked why I was so upset after I came back to the common room after Harry called me a `scarlet woman' to Madame Pince…” “Wait a minute, Miss Weasley,” McGonagall interrupted. “Mister Potter, why did you call Miss Weasley a scarlet woman?” Uh oh, now Harry's in for it. Hermione will give him an earful after Ol' McGonagall gets through with him. “It was how she was conducting herself, Headmistress,” Harry answered weakly under McGonagall's glare. “While that may be the case, that does not give you the right to address a fellow student in such a manner. Five points will be taken from Gryffindor. You may now continue, Miss Weasley.” “After I explained what happened in the library,” Ginny continued, “Parvati asked if I was going to use the love potion on Harry. I then made her promise not to tell anyone, and to make sure she kept her promise I used the Cruciatus Curse on her. Then I dumped her body down the stairs so she'd be found in the common room and draw suspicion away from me.” “Did Parvati know you already had a love potion?” Harry asked. “Yes. I told her about it when she asked how I was going to give you a little push to help you ask me out again.” “And did you make her promise then not to tell anyone?” Tonks asked. “Not anyone. I made her promise not to tell that jealous little bitch,” Ginny snapped, pointing at Hermione. “What do you have against me?” Hermione asked in confusion. “Because you were jealous that I had been with Harry, so you had to resort to using your feminine wiles to seduce him and trap him into a relationship with you by getting pregnant with his child,” Ginny snapped. The cry of outrage from everybody else in the room made the former Headmasters and Headmistresses of Hogwarts run for cover. “Mister Potter, Miss Granger,” McGonagall barked at them, “Is there any truth to Miss Weasley's accusations?” “No, Headmistress,” Harry responded immediately. “I haven't been that intimate with anybody yet.” “Me neither, Headmistress,” Hermione echoed. Tonks pointed her wand at Hermione while Shacklebolt pointed his at Harry. “We don't doubt your integrity you two,” Tonks reassured them. “We're just doing this as a legal formality.” “Ostendo sum sanctimonia!” Tonks and Shacklebolt uttered together, producing identical white halos over Harry and Hermione's heads. “Yep,” Shacklebolt confirmed. “They're both virgins.” Harry and Hermione blushed as they looked at each other with sheepish grins on their faces. They won't be for much longer if they have anything to say about it. They've probably dreamt about doing it together already. “Did you suspect Miss Patil had told anyone?” McGonagall inquired. “Yes,” Ginny replied angrily. “I'm sure she broke her promise and told the jealous little bitch. Only she had my blind brother watch me instead to cover up her little affair with my Harry.” “That's not true!” Ron cried out before he could stop himself. “Parvati told me and Seamus in the boys' dormitory and I was watching Ginny because I hadn't had a chance to warn Hermione yet.” “I didn't hear anything from Parvati until we were in the hospital wing after Ginny used the Cruciatus on her,” Hermione concluded. “And we've already established that Mister Potter and Miss Granger were not having an affair,” McGonagall added. Shacklebolt's eyes suddenly widened. “Miss Weasley, is it true that you had an incident with a cursed diary during your first year of school here at Hogwarts?” Harry, Hermione, and Ron all gasped. Why hadn't we thought of that? “Yes,” Ginny replied blandly. “Who did the diary belong to originally?” Shacklebolt followed-up. “Tom Marvolo Riddle,” Ginny replied dully. “Better known as Lord Voldemort,” Harry muttered darkly. “Were you examined by a psychological healer after the incident?” Tonks asked. “Yes,” Ginny replied without emotion. “What were the findings?” Tonks inquired. “That I was fine and had no damage from the traumatic incident,” Ginny replied in boredom. “So you were in control of your mental capacities and intentionally chose to attempt to harm Mister Potter?” McGonagall asked in disbelief. “It would have been better for Harry to fall in love with me than with the jealous little bitch,” Ginny replied. “At least I'm a pureblood.” Everyone gasped. “You do remember that my mother was muggleborn, right?” Harry asked. “She was so cunning that she would have been a great Slytherin,” Ginny answered snottily. “And as far as I'm concerned that makes you the purest of purebloods.” “Why is it so important to you that Harry be considered a pureblood?” Tonks asked. “So he can finish the noble work of The Dark Lord,” Ginny stated. Whoa! She really does want to be Voldemette! Shacklebolt used a simple Cutting Charm on the left arm of Ginny's robe, revealing nothing. “Are you a Death Eater?” he asked. “No,” Ginny replied blandly. “Then why do you want Harry to continue You-Know-Who's work?” Ron asked. “Because The Dark Lord had the right idea about mudbloods,” Ginny replied fiercely. “And the extermination should start with that jealous little bitch,” she added, pointing at Hermione. Harry squeezed Hermione's hand. “I'd never kill Hermione, Ginny, and you know it. She means too much to me.” Hermione beamed at him. She looks like she wants to drag him into the nearest broom closet and snog him senseless right now. “Is getting rid of Hermione Granger the only reason you want muggleborns removed from the wizarding world?” Tonks asked. “No, they give witches and wizards a bad name,” Ginny snapped. “Considering that Miss Granger is the brightest witch of your age, she hardly gives magical folk a bad name,” McGonagall interjected. Tonks looked at Shacklebolt. “I believe I've heard enough,” she told him. “So have I,” he replied before Stunning Ginny. “We'll be right back after we give our report to the Head of the Wizengamot so she can pass official judgement.” Tonks and Shacklebolt then flooed out of the Headmistresses' office. As soon as they were gone, Hermione pulled Harry into a hug that would have made Hagrid proud, as Arthur walked over and put a hand on Harry's shoulder. “I don't know how Ginny came to those beliefs Harry,” Arthur said. “We raised her better than that.” Hermione let go of Harry so he could turn around and put a hand on Arthur's shoulder. “I know, Mr. Weasley,” Harry replied. “If I had any idea she was developing those beliefs I would have told you.” Ron looked at McGonagall and Hermione. “Is there any way to detect that somebody is under the Imperius Curse?” Molly gasped. “Do you really think Ginny has been put under the Imperius Curse, Ronald?” she asked. “As much as I love my sister, justice has to be done,” he said calmly. “But that's not my sister. At least not the sister I know. So I think we should check out the possibility if we can.” Harry looked thoughtfully at Ron, then added, “Polyjuice would have worn off by now. What about Metamorphagus ability? We should check for that too.” McGonagall nodded. “I see that spending so much time with Miss Granger over the last seven years has caused her to rub off on you two,” she observed to Harry and Ron, before glancing at a grinning Hermione. Ugh. I don't want to be compared to Hermione. I need to quit acting so smart. Hermione suddenly sat up straighter than usual. “Wait a minute!” she exclaimed. “There isn't a way to test for Metamorphagus ability since it's so rare it hasn't been thought of as a danger.” Harry smirked at Hermione, then barked at her. “Constant vigilance! Constant vigilance!” Ron broke out laughing at Harry's passable imitation of Moody, and McGonagall was having a hard time hiding a smile. Hermione's eyes widened. “Of course! Ask Ginny something only the real Ginny would know! Oh Harry, you're brilliant!” Hermione leaned over and kissed Harry's cheek, causing both of them to blush. At that same moment, Tonks and Shacklebolt flooed back into the Headmistress' office with the Head of the Wizengamot, Hestia Jones. “Do we have to test your purity again you two?” Tonks asked teasingly. “I've been here the whole time, Nymphadora,” McGonagall said evenly, causing Tonks to bristle at the use of her given name. “We've briefed Hestia on what we've found out so far, Minerva,” Shacklebolt informed the Headmistress. “She has a couple of questions to ask Miss Weasley as a formality before passing official judgment, unless you've thought of anything.” McGonagall looked at Ron and Harry. “Mister Weasley, Mister Potter, would you care to inform Aurors Shacklebolt and Tonks about what you thought of after they left?” Harry looked at Ron, then spoke up for both of them, “Auror Shacklebolt, Auror Tonks, we were thinking that Ginny should be checked for being under the Imperius Curse and to see if somebody else is using their Metamorphagus abilities to pose as Ginny.” Hestia nodded thoughtfully. “Well spotted, both of you. I don't remember Auror Shacklebolt or Auror Tonks mentioning testing for those in their report.” Hermione looked at Tonks. “How many witches or wizards have the ability to change their bodies?” Tonks looked thoughtfully at Hermione. “It's very rare and generally only runs in families. The Blacks have that ability, but Bellatrix would have been the only one that we are aware of in the ranks of You-Know-Who with that ability and Mister Longbottom took care of her during the final battle.” “That doesn't mean that there isn't somebody else posing as Miss Weasley, so I agree with Mister Potter and Mister Weasley that we should test for that possibility,” Shacklebolt chimed in. Hestia looked at Shacklebolt. “Auror Shacklebolt, go back to the Ministry and fetch the potion for testing if somebody is under the Imperius.” After Shacklebolt left, she turned to the rest of the group. “I would have sent Auror Tonks, but we'd like the potion here in one piece, not broken all over the floor.” Tonks laughed along with the students in the room. “I'm not as clumsy when I'm working though.” “We have to wait for Auror Shacklebolt to come back before I can pass judgment, but we can test for Metamorphagus ability in Miss Weasley while we wait if anybody has any ideas for how to do so,” Hestia said. “I do,” Harry answered, “but I'll need Ginny woken up for me to do it.” Tonks nodded and Enneverated Ginny again. Harry looked apologetically at Ron, Molly, and Arthur, then asked Ginny, “What did I first tell you when you woke up in the Chamber of Secrets?” Ginny looked at Harry and smiled fondly. “It's alright. Riddle's finished. Look! Him and the basilisk. C'mon, Ginny, let's get out of here.” Hermione looked at Harry who looked at her and nodded in response to her unanswered question. “Verbatim. And there's no way that Voldemort would have known about that to be able to tell Bella.” “That's just spooky,” Ron muttered. “No wonder you can't get a girlfriend, Ronald,” Hermione turned and sniped at him. “It's sweet for somebody you care about to remember what you said in that much detail.” Ron looked down in embarrassment. Harry looked at Ginny. “I don't care about her anymore, at least definitely not like she wants me to.” Ginny screamed out. “Quit denying it, Harry-poo! I know you want me just as much—” Ginny's voice was cut off by a well-timed “Stupefy!” from Tonks, who promptly shrugged. “We didn't need to listen to another round of that rubbish.” “Agreed,” Ron sighed, earning sheepish smiles from Harry and Hermione. McGonagall looked at Harry. “So now we've proven that it is actually Miss Weasley in this chair, and not somebody posing as her. Am I correct, Mister Potter?” “That's correct, Headmistress,” Harry answered as he looked at Tonks and Hestia. Hestia nodded thoughtfully. “Well done, Mister Potter. Handled as professionally as any auror would have done under like circumstances.” Harry blushed slightly. “Thank you, ma'am.” Just then, Shacklebolt flooed back into the Headmistress' office and pulled a flask of the potion out of his robes and walked over to Ginny. “Mister Potter, Miss Granger, Mister Weasley, have any of you seen this potion used before?” “No, Auror Shacklebolt,” Hermione answered for the three of them, her curiosity evident in her voice. “What this potion will do is, if a person is under the Imperius, then their body will go into convulsions for a minute as their body expels whomever is controlling it, without causing injury to the victim,” Shacklebolt explained. “What happens if somebody isn't under the Imperius?” Hermione asked. “Nothing,” Tonks chimed in, “but as a safety precaution we tie everybody to a bed before we administer the potion.” McGonagall nodded in understanding, then transfigured one of the couches into a bed, so Tonks could levitate Ginny's body on to the bed and secure it firmly in place. Tonks then cast another “Enneverate!” on Ginny to wake her up, so Shacklebolt could feed Ginny the potion. Everybody waited with baited breath for a minute, but nothing happened. “How long does it normally take for the potion to kick in?” Hermione couldn't resist asking. “It should have kicked in by now,” Hestia informed her. “So we can conclude that Ginny was acting on her own then?” Ron asked. “That's right, Mister Weasley,” Shacklebolt told him. I didn't think she was, but I figure we should check out every possibility. “I have a couple of questions for you, Miss Weasley,” Hestia told Ginny. “Haven't I answered enough bloody questions already?” Ginny snapped at her. “I just want to verify some things from your earlier answers before I pass judgment on you,” Hestia calmly replied. “I suppose, since I don't have any choice in the matter,” Ginny replied irritably. “Did you say that you wanted Mister Potter to continue Lord Voldemort's work of eliminating muggleborns from the wizarding world?” “Yes, starting with that jealous little bitch over there,” Ginny barked. “Did you of your own accord decide to use a love potion on Mister Potter and the Cruciatus Curse on a Miss Parvati Patil, whom isn't present in this room because she's still recovering from her injuries?” Hestia inquired. “Yes,” Ginny replied unremorsefully. “And you're aware of the punishments for using a love potion on somebody and for using an unforgivable curse?” Hestia demanded. “Yes,” Ginny replied blandly. Hestia nodded. “Hand me Miss Weasley's wand please, Auror Shacklebolt.” Shacklebolt pulled Ginny's wand from his robes and handed it to Hestia. Hestia took Ginny's wand by the ends and held it up for Ginny to see, then snapped it in half. “I hereby find Ginevra Molly Weasley guilty of trying to use a forbidden love potion on Harry James Potter and of using the Cruciatus Curse on Parvati Darshana Patil. Consequentially, I declare on this 6th day of May in the year 1998 that Ginevra Molly Weasley be forbidden to use magic forever and that she be detained in Azkaban Prison for the rest of her days.” “NO!!!!!!!!!!!” Ginny screamed out as Tonks and Shacklebolt unbound her and started taking her towards the fireplace. “Just a minute,” Harry said with a start. “I have a question for Ginny before you take her away.” “Very well, Mister Potter,” Tonks replied, pausing to let Harry walk around and look at Ginny. “Tell me, Ginny…What did you hope to accomplish by breaking the law?” Ginny's head stayed focused on the ground. “I thought I could set things right,” she answered dejectedly. Arthur walked over to Ginny. “Think about this while you're in Azkaban, Ginevra,” he commanded gently. “If you have to break a just law to try to set things right, then they're too broken to be fixed and you have to adjust to the new normal. That's what your mother has already done, since she's seen the way things are meant to be.” Arthur and Harry both nodded at the aurors, who left with Ginny and were followed through the fireplace by Hestia. Hermione walked up to Harry and pulled him into a hug. “I'm so glad that's over,” Hermione whispered in Harry's ear. Harry gently wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist and whispered back, “So am I.” *** Ostendo sum sanctimonia—reveal purity --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13. Epilogue--More Than Satisfactory Yes, this is a very short ending, but it says all that needs to be said. I hope you've enjoyed the ride with me on a story that's taken extremely long to complete (it was 2006 when I posted the start of this story). Fluff abounds in this epilogue. They needed an emotional break after the whole Ginny situation. This is the first ending to this story. I have another ending written out as well, and if enough people review saying they want to read the alternate ending, I'll post it as well. I will say, that it's even shorter than this one, but has it's share of squee worthy moments and humor. Please read and review. Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged. Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Epilogue: More Than Satisfactory That evening in the common room, Harry went to the Room of Requirement to get away from all the curious students in the Gryffindor common room that were asking questions about what happened in McGonagall's office that morning. Why can't people around here mind their own ruddy business for once. Don't they understand that I want to be left in peace? Only some of my friends get that I just want to be thought of as normal, especially Hermione. Merlin, I love her. Suddenly there was a gentle knock on the door, causing Harry to jump. “Who is it?” he called out. Hermione's gentle voice came through the door, “it's me, Harry. Can I come in?” Maybe I'll be able to work up the nerve to tell her how I feel while we're alone. “Come on in,” he called out to her. The door softly opened and closed, and a minute later Hermione sat down next to him. “They were getting on my nerves too,” she said softly. Harry took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze as he smiled at her. “Thank you, Hermione,” he said softly, “for everything.” Hermione smiled shyly back at him. “You're welcome, Harry.” She looks so beautiful in the firelight. I want to run my fingers through her hair right now, but I'm afraid she'd slap me. Harry shyly looked at Hermione. “I was wondering Hermione…” he started to say. She looked up at him curiously. “Yes?” she asked anxiously. He looked down at his hands. “I was wondering why you decided to be so helpful to me over the years when it would have been safer to avoid me?” Hermione blushed. “It was the right thing to do,” she said in a whisper. Harry squeezed her hand. “I'm glad you did the right thing,” he whispered back. “Anything for you, Harry,” she said softly as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Where's my bloody Gryffindor courage? Harry scolded himself. It shouldn't be so ruddy difficult to ask Hermione to be my girlfriend. I love her, and if Ron is to be trusted, she loves me too. Come on, Harry. Just open your mouth and let the words come out already! Harry took a deep breath. “Hermionedoyouwanttogooutwithme?” he asked quickly. Hermione looked up at him in a mix of confusion and bemusement. “Sorry, I didn't catch that,” she said gently with a half-smile on her face. Harry groaned internally. After another deep breath he tried again, “Hermione, doyouwanttogooutwithme?” Hermione tried to stifle a laugh. “Tell me, Harry. Are you trying to ask me to go out with you?” she asked giggling. Harry blushed. “Umm…yeah, if you want to,” he stammered out. Hermione blushed and smiled up at him. “I'd love to go out with you, Harry. I've loved you for years now.” Harry looked at her in surprise. “When did you start fancying me?” Hermione shrugged. “I suppose a part of me always has,” she said simply, “but I really realized it during fourth year when your name came out of the Goblet of Fire.” Harry smiled guiltily. “I'll admit to thinking you were one of the guys until that year, and seeing you in your dress robes. Wow! You looked amazing.” Hermione blushed. “I could tell you thought I was really pretty by the look on your face that night,” she admitted. “And that was part of the idea—to get you to notice that I was a girl.” Harry blushed. “It definitely worked,” he admitted, “but which of your plans hasn't?” Hermione kissed his cheek. “You're so sweet, Harry, but I've had plans fail before.” “Like when?” asked Harry in surprise. “That dress robes plan for one,” Hermione countered. “It didn't get your mind off Cho.” Harry cringed. “Not one of my better decisions,” he admitted. Hermione put her hand on his shoulder. “It's okay, Harry,” she said. “You've made up for it now.” Harry slowly lowered his lips to hers for their first kiss. A few seconds later, he pulled back and grinned at Hermione. “Well, that proves I was right about that,” Hermione mused out loud. “About what?” Hermione blushed and grinned at Harry. “That your kissing is more than satisfactory.” Harry smirked. “I'm glad you think so, Miss Granger.” Before Hermione could respond, Harry lowered his lips to hers again and proceeded to start a very delicious songfest. --> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14. Alternate Ending--Catching the Snitch I'm glad that people have enjoyed this story and its original ending. This is the second ending to this story. I hope you enjoy it as much as the first one. Please read and review. Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged. Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it. Tell Me Alternate Ending: Catching the Snitch Harry was keeping an ear on Luna's commentary as he soared above the pitch in search of that flutter of gold that was his ticket to salvation, and potentially a professional career. “Finnegan scores! Gryffindor leads Slytherin 130-20!” Luna's dreamy voice called over the magical speaker. Harry smirked at how well the team was playing. There was no question that he'd beat Malfoy to the snitch. The question was how long it'd take to find it. Suddenly, a shimmer of gold shot past his ear from behind and made a beeline towards the Gryffindor stands. Harry took off like a shot in pursuit with Malfoy nowhere in sight. This is going to be ridiculously easy. He isn't even putting up a fight this time. “Oh, there goes Harry,” Luna observed dreamily. “He must have seen the snitch!” Harry flew through the action amongst the chasers as the snitch kept twitching left and right, but kept heading straight towards the Gryffindor stands. Suddenly Harry's eyes widened as he realized he was headed straight towards Hermione and he raised his broom and did a Sloth Grip Roll while reaching out and grabbing the snitch out of midair just inches from crashing into Hermione. “Hi Hermione,” Harry said with a grin from his inverted state. Before either of them realized what was happening Hermione grabbed Harry's face and gave him a passionate kiss. “It appears like Harry has caught more than the snitch today!” Luna's voice cried out. “Gryffindor wins 280-20! They've won the Quidditch Cup for the third year in a row!” The Gryffindor stands catcalled as Harry rolled upright and pulled Hermione on to his Firebolt with him and flew the two of them to the top of the teacher's stand, where he dismounted on top of it. He helped Hermione off and the two of them sat on the canvas, staring into each other's eyes for a minute. “Thank you for everything,” Harry finally said as he touched Hermione's face. Hermione leaned into his touch. “You're welcome,” she said softly. “Tell me, Hermione. Why did you kiss me?” Harry asked curiously. Hermione blushed. “That was rather impulsive of me, wasn't it?” she asked. Harry nodded. “I thought it was brilliant though,” he admitted with a blush of his own. Hermione beamed at him. “I've wanted to do that for a while now,” she admitted. Harry's other hand came up to cup the other side of Hermione's face. “So have I,” he said gently before closing the distance between them for another kiss.” “About time you two figured it out,” a voice from about ten feet away called out. Harry and Hermione jumped apart guiltily. “Ronald Weasley you should know better than to interrupt somebody like that!” Hermione screamed at him as she drew her wand. Ron paled and took off away from them as Hermione send a couple of hexes his way. Suddenly Headmistress McGonagall's voice boomed over the speakers. “Mister Potter, Miss Granger, the two of you should know better than to put on such an appalling display in front of your fellow students. 10 points each shall be deducted from Gryffindor.” Harry leaned over and whispered in Hermione's ear, “ten points well worth it, if you ask me.” Hermione beamed at him. “Well worth it indeed,” she replied before pulling him in for a heated snog. -->