Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps

CHAPTER SIX

Ron Weasley looked at his Potions homework in disgust. Professor Snape seemed to hate each and every Gryffindor, especially him and Hermione Granger, his girlfriend now of two years. Being in a class with Potter and Malfoy didn't help either- it almost seemed like they were egging Snape on. Bloody teacher's pets . . . he thought, setting down his quill. "Hermione?" he called.

Hermione looked up from her spot on the floor, where she was sitting and sharing some chocolate frogs with Parvati Patil. "Yes?"

"Do you have your Potions homework done?"

It was a silly question, and he knew it- of course she would have it done. She always finished her homework eons before anyone else. Ron didn't. "Of course, Ron, you know I do! What's the problem this time?" It was actually through her "homework help" that Ron ended up befriending Hermione, and during a late night "study session" when they realized how they felt about each other.

Ron bit his lip, and looked pensively down at his paper. "Well, I-" He stopped mid-sentence. "Damn it, I forgot, I have to meet Fred and George- they were going to help me with something out by the quidditch field. Gotta run, bye!"

"Hello, Ron!" Fred shouted, turning completely around. "A little late, huh?"

George laughed. "I'd say you are! Hurry up, you git; we don't have all day!"

Ron rushed over to the other boys, joining them. "Let's go then!" he said, walking out the doors to the field.

As they neared the broom shed, they spotted Potter and Malfoy starting to warm up for Slytherin's practice. Potter was showing off on his broomstick again, swerving around the quidditch field. He was just as arrogant and hateful to Ron in the air as he was on land--Ron was no fool, he could see the amused yet disgusted looks Harry was sending him as he picked up his Cleansweep Five.

Malfoy stood beneath him, taking his time to carefully stretch out the muscles in his arms. His eyes followed Harry like a hawk as he flew in a large circle around the field. Ron noticed that his eyes seemed to glaze over, and his head was turning effortlessly to follow Harry's motion. A slight smile was creeping over his face, yet it was also full of sorrow. Longing, you might say, Ron thought suspiciously.

Suddenly, Ron put two and two together. Malfoy . . . Harry . . . Longing . . . His jaw dropped in shock. Surely this couldn't mean . . .

Malfoy broke his gaze at Harry, suddenly looking worried and almost surprised with his action. He shook his head slowly, as if trying to clear all thoughts of the other boy. He stole one last painful glance in Harry's direction before mounting his broom.

Ron stopped right in his tracks. “Oh my god!” he muttered to himself.

"What was that?" Fred asked, not realizing the boy's words were not for him.

“N-n-nothing!” he stuttered, looking in amazement at Malfoy, who was now casually taking off as if nothing had happened a moment ago.

Fred furrowed his brow. “Are you okay, there?”

Ron's jaw opened and closed a few times before he looked at Fred. "Errrrr, yeah . . ." he whimpered.

"Bloody crazy!" Fred muttered, shaking his head as he walked away.