Nobody Understands

Aug. 7^th:

Well, I was invited to the Weasleys' whenever I felt like going (which was now!). I knew that I couldn't go yet; not only would my parents not stand for it, but it would be rude to go to the Burrow right away. I wanted to get away from the boredom, the awkward silence I fell into around my parents, away from the loneliness.

I finally wrote and asked Ron if I could come on August thirteenth because my parents had Thursdays off and could drive me there. Harry wouldn't get there until the seventeenth. I would have four days to figure out how I felt and decide whether or not to tell Ron.

I gazed out my window. I had written some more to Harry and found out that he was still very depressed about Cedric's death, that he had given the money to George and Fred, and that he had a crush on Cho. Actually, the last part was just a deduction, I didn't know for sure but it seemed very likely.

Ron, on the other hand, hardly wrote anything about himself, instead telling me all about Ginny and the rest of his family. He kept telling me Ginny wanted me to visit but she never wrote me any letters even though I said things like "say hi to Ginny for me" in my letters. I wished that I could just take off for the Burrow or wherever, just drive somewhere or Apparate somewhere but I have to wait till I'm seventeen to drive, and done with school to Apparate. Sigh...

At the beginning of the year I kept almost doing magic. I dropped a cup while doing the dishes and whipped out my wand to fix it when I remembered I wasn't allowed to do magic out of school. I finally put my wand in my trunk and made myself promise not to take it out unless it was a real emergency (such as a Death Eater attack) or when I left for school. I'm still really worried about an attack because there have been a few on Muggles already, though nobody can prove they were Death Eaters, we just assumed they were. I don't know why I'm so concerned about my parents though, I mean how would Voldemort find them any way? He probably doesn't even know about me. Oh, wait, Wormtail probably told him...

Aug. 13^th, 6:00 am:

I had been awake for an hour, I slept badly and I just wanted to be on our way even though we weren't leaving for a while yet. What should I wear? I had gotten dressed awhile ago but I'm sure it's all wrong! Ron probably thinks I'm completely ugly. He said he liked pretty girls at the Yule Ball last year; that he wouldn't go with Eloise Midgeon because her nose wasn't dead center! I, with my bushy hair and bad features, wouldn't stand a chance. Also, I don't wear make-up or dress in stylish dresses (I hate dresses anyway!) or robes. But I'm not going to change the way I am just for a boy, not even Ron Weasley! If he doesn't like me the way I am, I'll just have to get over my love for him...somehow!

That night:

We've arrived! I was at the Burrow at last, but I was sweating like crazy. What am I going to do? I'm so nervous about seeing Ron; I can't think! Me, Hermione Granger, not being able to think because of some boy! It's unbelievable!

I walk up slowly to the house, my parents right behind...Suddenly the door of the Burrow bursts open, and all of the Weasleys, and I mean all of them, even Charlie and Bill, burst out.

"She's here!"

"They're here!"

"Hey, Hermione!"

"Long time, no see!"

"Great to see you again"

"We missed you, dear!"

Everybody was talking at once! Laughing and grinning. I got hugs from Mrs. Weasley and Ginny, and slaps on the back from the twins. Mr. Weasley is talking with my parents; Percy comes up and congratulates me on becoming a Prefect. I feel wonderful, but suddenly I realize I don't see Ron.

"Where's Ron?" I asked, looking at Ginny.

"Ohhh," she said slowly, "he's, he's coming...he's just nervous...I don't know where he is..."

"Oh," I said, rather confused, "why is he nervous?"

"Nervous?" Ginny replied, trying to feign innocence, "did I say nervous? I meant busy..."

Before I could reply to that strange remark, Mrs. Weasley came up, "Oh, dear, your parents are leaving for their hotel. They've declined staying with us, and want to say goodbye."

"Yes, of course," I hurried over to them, hugged them both and got kisses from them. It was rather humiliating to do so in front of all the Weasleys, but I wasn't going to see my parents until winter break at least, and possibly not until next summer. I finished my farewells, and they drove off. Mrs. Weasley ushered everyone back into the house. I went to pick up my trunk but it was already gone.

"I asked Charlie to bring it up to Ginny's room; I hope you don't mind..." Mrs. Weasley had noticed my confusion.

"Oh, no, not at all," I quickly reassured her. "Thank you."

"Oh, it's no trouble at all dear, now come and have some dinner; you've been driving all day, correct?"

"That's very kind of you, Mrs. Weasley, but we stopped for dinner on the way here." I tried to be polite. I was telling the truth, but the real reason I didn't want to eat was that my stomach felt so twisted with nervousness that I didn't think I could eat anything at all.

"If you're sure dear," Mrs. Weasley replied as we walked into the house where the rest of the Weasley's had pushed Ron to the front.

"Ron!" I cried. I ran forward towards him.

"Hi Hermione, I was... I was...I had forgotten..." I ran up to him and gave him a big hug. He immediately stiffened. Oops! I was being too forward again. He gave me a shy smile as I quickly let go. He was turning red, as a matter of fact, I was too.

Was it my imagination or had I just heard Fred (or was it George?) mutter something like, "I told you she liked him!"

Was I that obvious? I hoped not.

Before I knew it, I was lying on the cot in Ginny's room, trying to sleep. I couldn't sleep though. I longed for Ron, though I hated myself for it. My mind was split, arguing about what I wanted. I wanted His touch, but at the same I was afraid, while at the same time disgusted by the very thought of it. I didn't know what I wanted, and I was badly confused. When Victor had asked me out, I had thought I wasn't ready for a relationship like that, but now I was longing for one. Was it just Ron? Yes, it was, but why? Was it because he was younger that I felt I would be more comfortable with him than with Victor? Was it just his wonderful self? Why did I want to be more than a friend? Why was it Ron as opposed to Harry? Is this really love? How do I know when love is real? What do I want? These thoughts tumbled through my tired brain. It took me several hours until I could finally sleep.

Aug. 14, 8:30am

Goodness, I haven't slept this late for a while. I guess I was really tired from yesterday. I sat up slowly and looked around. I saw Ginny changing and politely averted my eyes.

"Good morning, Ginny!" I said cheerfully, staring at the wall.

"Oh, Hermione! I didn't realize you were awake," was the rather startled response.

"I just woke up; it's been awhile since I was able to sleep past eight," I said, smiling a little. "Well, it's time to greet a new day! I'm so glad to be at the Burrow!"

"I'm glad you're here too, Hermione," Ginny replied, "Maybe Ron will stop moping about! Also, it's nice to have a girl to talk to again. I'm getting so sick of boys, and Mum just isn't the same, no matter how well intentioned!" Ginny has a very winning smile at times, "I don't know if I can stand the sight of another boy, maybe I'll become a lesbian!" At my raised eyebrow, she quickly added, "Just kidding!"

"It's not a good thing to joke about, Ginny," I said with all seriousness, "People could take that remark as a type of homophobia." Before she could answer that one I added, "and I think you could stand to see another boy if it was Harry." I raised my eyebrow again and slid out of bed.

Ginny blushed bright red, "I'll go see if breakfast is ready," and quickly disappeared out the door.

I got dressed, brushed my tangled mat of hair, and hurried downstairs. I was just in time for breakfast.

"Good morning, dear!" Mrs. Weasley said brightly.

"Good morning Mrs. Weasley," I replied politely, "Ron, George, Fred, Charlie, Bill." I nodded my head at each of them and took the empty seat next to Ron. He blushed and muttered a good morning. What is wrong with him?

"Have Percy and Mr. Weasley left for work already?" I questioned. I was trying to start a conversation that was natural since the whole Weasley family was staring at us.

"They had to start work early today," Mrs. Weasley replied.

After that everyone started talking again and acting normal, except Ron who was still staring at his plate. Charlie, who was sitting across from me, asked me how my summer was going. The twins tried to serve me some of their bacon, but I had been warned and declined by saying that I wasn't going to eat red meat any more. This was actually true; over the summer I had a read a book about all the cruel things done to the animals even before they were killed. I decided I could give up bacon and steak, even if I felt I wasn't ready to become I complete vegetarian. The twins looked rather disappointed. But really, they should know better than to try such tricks when they're in seventh year, especially on a Prefect-to-be.

The rest of the day went on. Ron finally stopped acting weird, and we went on a walk in the woods around his house. It's really pretty out there; I love walking in the woods. I said this to Ron, and to my surprise he said he likes being out in nature too! I didn't know that. I only thought he wanted to go outside so he wouldn't have to study or to have a snow ball fight. Of course, he didn't know I liked being outdoors either.

"I don't spend my whole life studying and reading you know!" I said it rather nastily. I didn't mean to my love! Wait, did I just call Ron my love? I must be going insane.

"I know that," Ron said, "I just didn't know you liked the woods."

"Well my parents are environmentalists so it's..." I was cut off.

"Your parents are what?"

"Environmentalists."

"What?"

"Oh, I guess that you don't use that term in the wizarding world. It's when you work to save the environment, like you recycle or go to protests against cutting down the forests or you write letters to the editor..."

"Recicy what?"

"Recycle. Opposed to putting things in the garbage." He still looked blank. "We, Muggles, can't make things out of thin air. When we have things that we used but don't need anymore, we usually put them in the garbage or the recycling." He only looked slightly less confused. "Well, it doesn't really matter," I said, "Let's talk about something else."

"Um..." he said, "Ummm...how do you think Harry is doing?" Oh God! I thought, he likes Harry! Of course he likes Harry, he's his best friend, you prat! But in a different way...don't be ridiculous...but it could be...I mean Ron was the thing Harry would miss most. But Ron's not gay, is he? What about Harry, he likes Cho Chang, doesn't he? What if it's just a cover-up? What if they have a secret relationship going on behind my back? That might explain why Ron has been acting so weird...but...

"Hermione? Hermione? Wake up!" Ron was waving his hand in front of my face, "Snap out of it!"

"Oh, s-sorry Ron, I was thinking..." I shook my head violently to rid the thoughts from my head, "I just kind of blanked out for a moment."

"That's ok, so what do you want to talk about?" Ron looked really forlorn, I wanted to hug him to cheer him up or maybe more...Hermione, I told myself, snap out of it!

"I dunno...what did you do this summer? Your letters were pretty vague." So we went into more details about our summers. I explained more Muggle terms to him, and finally I brought up Harry again.

"I'm really worried about him, he still blames himself for Cedric's death," I said softly.

"I know," Ron replied, looking slightly distressed, "nothing I say seems to change his mind, he seems so..."

"...much more grown up?" I finished for him. (Wow! We're already finishing each other's sentences! Shut up, Hermione!)

"Exactly!" He said but looked a little suspicious, "how much have you and Harry been corresponding?"

"Oh, a lot, I mean probably about as much as we have been, maybe a little more since he responds faster than you do. No offense, Ron!"

"Oh, yeah, sorry about that," He blushed again (what is wrong with him?)

"It's ok, you've been busy."

"Well, not that busy, I should have written more."

"Really, Ron, it's ok."

"No it's not, I should have responded faster."

"Ron!" I was getting irritated now, "I. Said. It. Was. Alright!" I enunciated each word carefully.

"Ok, I'm sorry; I didn't mean to start a fight." Ron, sorry? RON, SORRY? The words Ron and sorry don't fit in the same sentence. Wow! Maybe he does love me. No, he loves Harry or Padma or Lavender or probably anybody else but me.

"It's all right; I shouldn't have gotten angry so fast." He may be a prat but he was the sweetest prat.

That night:

I lay in bed, trying to sleep, but I tossed and turned and just couldn't get comfortable. The day had been a normal day (for The Burrow), but I couldn't get it out of my head that Ron could be gay and, whether or not he was, he almost definitely didn't like me. At least not that way.

Ginny finally turned over and said, "You can't sleep either?"

"Nope, why are you still awake?"

"I'm worrying, I can't sleep."

"Same with me, what are you worrying about?"

"What do you think?" was her teasing reply.

"If, just between you and me, Ginny," I said meaningfully, "you are thinking along the same lines I am, then it's probably Harry."

"What?!?"

"I mean, I'm thinking about a boy, boys. If you are too then it's probably Harry."

"Oh, oh yea, it is..." the alarmed tone was gone from her voice.

"Don't worry, I didn't mean I liked Harry," I laughed.

"I thought you did for a moment; you scared me."

"Nope, Harry's all yours for the taking. Hehe, I probably shouldn't be talking about my best friend like that..."

"Yes, well, who were you thinking about, if it wasn't my beautiful Harry?"

I cracked up. Beautiful Harry? Bloody hell, that was amusing! Hermione, I scolded myself, don't swear. Not even in your own head?

Ginny joined in my laughter, "I guess that was pretty cliché."

"Well, I'm afraid that I just can't imagine Harry as 'beautiful'," I giggled.

"How about, Bountifully Beauteous?" We laughed and laughed, it was late at night and we were high on sugar from the chocolate cake that night. We were young and in love and laughing at things that weren't really clichés. And we had each just made a new friend--each other.

We talked late that night. We discussed many subjects but mostly love. I had never really talked about love. I mean, I had had the usual talk with my mom and had sex-ed in school before I knew I was a wizard. But I mean, love-love, not sex. I had read about what love was supposed to be like in books, but obviously it was not the same as in real life. Ginny admitted her old school crush on Harry was gone, replaced by real love, or so she thought.

"Of course, you're only fourteen. It's hard to know for sure, isn't it?"

"Well, I guess I can't be sure, having never experienced it before, but, well, I look at Harry the same way my parents look at each other."

"Ok, I didn't need to hear that!" We laughed, again, drunk on lack of sleep. I was happy; even if I didn't have Ron, at least I had a friend who was a girl; someone who I could really talk to. I wonder why I hadn't noticed Ginny as more than Ron's little sister before.

"Ok, ok, I'll tell you who I like," I gave in to Ginny around eleven at night. "I like," I blushed, "I like...I like Ron." I was probably the same color as a tomato.

"You do?" Ginny almost shrieked, "Oh, my! Have you told him yet?"

"No, why would I tell him that? He doesn't like me."

"Hermione, you are the smartest witch I know..."

I cut her off, grumbling, "wizard."

"Whatever. But you are really thick sometimes!"

"Me? Thick? He hasn't said anything or given any sign. He probably likes some one else. He doesn't even know I'm a girl, remember?" I had started a rant, trying to convince myself to give up this hopeless dream, "I'm ugly, I'm bossy, I'm..."

"Hermione!"

But I wasn't listening, "we're always fighting, he..."

"Hermione! Listen to me! Hermione!"

"What?" I was getting rather stressed. I was tired, and I was feeling very self doubting.

"He likes you, can't you tell?"

"He only likes me as a friend."

"No, he..."

"Just forget it, it doesn't matter," I didn't want, couldn't, get my hopes up. I couldn't handle thinking he liked me and then him saying no.

Aug 15^th 6:50 AM

I awoke early, despite my late bed time. I just lay in bed, wishing I could fall back asleep, but knowing I couldn't. I finally pushed myself up and got out of bed. I stretched, but silently, so I wouldn't wake Ginny. I got up and slipped out of my pajamas and into my clothes. I had to go to the bathroom really badly, so I grabbed my hair brush and walked out into the hall.

I found my way to the bathroom and prepared myself for the day. I took a shower, brushed my hair and went back to Ginny's room to put my brush away. I wondered if I could sneak into Ron's room. No, that would be wrong. But I wanted to watch him when he's sleeping. He probably looks really sweet, well I know he does; I've seen him fall asleep in the common room. Then why do you need to see him now? The logical part of my brain spoke up. Because I'm in love with him, now. But is that true? Are you sure you haven't always been in love with him, and you only just realized it? Well, in second year I might have had a petty crush on him when he barfed up slugs for me...but that doesn't count! If only people knew how calm, collected, intelligent Hermione Granger has arguments with herself about a boy!

I quietly snuck up the stairs toward Ron's room. I pressed my ear to the door; I heard only quite breathing. I opened the door a crack and peered into the bright orange room (Ron has terrible taste!). I saw Ron lying there on his bed still sleeping. I opened the door a little wider and went in. I closed the door behind me in case someone came upstairs and saw it open. I moved slowly and quietly, trying to copy a cat's movements. He looked so sweet asleep; I wanted to kiss him...

Suddenly, I heard foot steps on the stair coming up. Oh damn! I didn't know what to do. They were right in front of the door now. I dove under Ron's bed just as Mrs. Weasley came in. Oh, shit! Hermione, don't swear!

"Ron, dearest, it's time to wake up. Breakfast is in fifteen minutes. Ron! Ronald, wake up!" She went over and shook him gently, "Ronald!"

"Mmmm, what is it Mum? I'mm sleeping, mmmm."

"Ron Weasley! Stop this nonsense and get up! What will Hermione think if you don't join her at breakfast?" (Gulp!)

"S'ok Mum, I'll get up, soon, mmmm."

"Be downstairs in fifteen minutes, is that understood?"

"Yes, Mm."

I didn't know what to do; he could get up any moment and would notice me if I tried to sneak away. I waited for about five minutes until he finally got up. I was feeling rather irritated for having to stay under the bed for so long. I could see his feet come down off the bed in front of me and pad over to his dresser. I could hear him taking out his clothes. He walked over and put them down on the bed. I heard him take off his pajama top and pull on his Muggle shirt. Oh my God! He's practically changing in front of me! His pajama pants slid down to the floor in front of me. At least he isn't sitting on the floor or something. But...but...keep your sick mind out of this, Hermione! He finally finished getting dressed and left. As soon as he was out of the room, I climbed out. I realized how lucky I was that it wasn't dusty under the bed. I straightened my shirt and brushed off my jeans anyway. Then I ran my fingers through my hair to make sure it wasn't a mess and hurried downstairs to breakfast. Luckily, I was not late, only Ron, Charlie, Percy and Mrs. Weasley were in the kitchen.

"Good morning," I said.

"Good morning, dear," Mrs. Weasley said, "I was wondering where you were; you weren't in bed when I went to wake you and Ginny."

"Oh, I woke up early and went, um, for a walk. I hope that's ok," I made up quickly. Well I sort of had gone for a walk, up to Ron's room.

"Oh, that's fine dear. Charlie, please stir the porridge. You're the only one besides Ginny I can trust with food."

"Of course Mum," Charlie said quickly as Mrs. Weasley went back upstairs.

Percy then spoke up, "It's Saturday so I don't need to go to work unless there is a specific problem that I need to deal with. Of course, often there is, as I am a very important part of the Ministry."

"I'm sure you are Percy," I said politely, but was thinking, I wonder if his new boss knows his name.

Just then, Bill and the twins came in; they were talking about one of the twins' new inventions, Popping Corn. "Well," George was explaining, "It looks just like regular popcorn but, after you eat it, it starts to explode inside you."

"Isn't that dangerous, though?" Bill asked.

"Well, it could be, but we've been taking special regulations to try and make it safe," Fred answered, "which is why we need people to test it on to see if it's safe for consumers."

"Well, I learned my lesson with your Sizzling Bacon. My tongue still feels burnt just thinking about them. Almost as bad as those Acid Pops that Honeyduke's sells. I'll decline helping to test this product," Bill, laughed, "but perhaps you can try some of the other people in this house."

"Not me!" I said quickly.

"Me neither," Ron said.

"Or me," Ginny added, coming down the stairs.

"I'm not going to fall for any of your tricks this time," Percy said sternly, "and I'm of half a mind to tell Mum what you've been up to."

"Oh, give it a break, Perce," Bill said, "They didn't mean to hurt you."

"I'm sure they didn't. Where are Mum and Dad?" Percy replied stiffly. Right on cue, they came in.

"Good morning, children."

"Morning Mum, Dad."

We ate breakfast and then Ginny and all the boys but Percy went out to play Quidditch.

"I didn't know you played Quidditch," I said to Ginny.

"You didn't? Well, now you do. I usually play Chaser but I'm alright at any of the positions."

"Wow, Ginny, that's great."

"Why don't you ever play?"

"I don't want to make a fool of myself."

"Oh, come on Hermione, you wouldn't make a fool of yourself. I'm sure you're perfectly good at flying."

"Trust me, I'm not. And to tell the truth, ever since I rode on that Hippogriff in my third year, I've been afraid of heights."

"Well, alright, at least come and watch us."

"I'd be happy to," but I brought a book along with me as well

I watched the Weasleys play their own version of Quidditch--there weren't enough people to play the ordinary way. Charlie had been a Seeker, Bill had never played on a team but was best at Chaser, Ron was best at Keeper, Ginny at Chaser, and the twins were Beaters. This didn't end up very evenly so they decided not to have the Snitch or Seekers. This ended up with Ginny as Chaser against Bill, Fred against George as Beater, and Ron against Charlie as Keeper. It was very interesting, since the Chasers couldn't pass to anyone. I was glad that I declined playing because it would have made the teams uneven anyway. I read my book and periodically looked up to see how the game was going. If something particularly interesting was happening I would watch for awhile and then go back to my book. They played for about two hours but by then everyone was pretty tired and decided to have lunch. After lunch Ron was still excited about flying.

"I really have to practice if I want to get the Keeper position this year."

"Oh, you're trying out for Keeper? That's great, Ron," I said

He blushed, "Yeah, I guess it is..."

"I really hope you make it."

"Well," Ron said, "Angelina is team captain this year and Fred promised to put in some good words about me." He was blushing again.

"Oh, Fred and Angelina are still together? That's really sweet." I personally thought Angelina and Fred were a pretty cute couple.

"Yeah...well anyway, doyouwanttogoflyingwithme?" He spoke really quickly; what was he saying?

"Excuse me?"

"Will you...will you go flying with me?" Ron stuttered.

"Oh Ron, you know I don't fly..."

"Please? You really aren't as bad as you think. I have seen you fly, in our first year."

"Well...I'm scared of heights now..."

"You are? I didn't know that."

"Yeah, ever since I rode on Buckbeak I've been terrified. I'm sorry." Now I was blushing.

"Don't be. I'm scared of spiders, remember?"

"Yes..."

"Well...I would really like it if you tried flying again...we could even share a broom if you were scared you were going to fall off..." He knew me too well. Maybe he knows I like him and would do something like this for him. I hope he doesn't know.

"I don't know. I really am bad on a broom and I'm scared..."

"If you really don't want to its ok," Ron said, staring at his feet. He looked hurt.

"Alright, I'll give it a try."

"Really? Great! I'll go get my broom." He hurried off. I walked outside slowly, wondering how I had gotten myself into this.

I got on the broom behind Ron, and he kicked off. I almost screamed but held back, I didn't want to seem like a girly-girl or a screamer. He stayed pretty low to the ground so that I wouldn't be too scared; I was clutching him around the middle, though. God! How I wanted to lean my head against his back, to nuzzle up to him. Hermione, stop that! He's one of your best-friends and that is all he is or ever will be.

"You alright, Hermione?"

"Yeah, I'm ok. You're a really good flyer; thanks for staying so low."

"No problem," he said softly.

I decided I had to tell him. I had to tell him that I liked him, as more than a friend. If he didn't like me in return, I'd live with that and tell him to forget I said anything. We can try our best to stay friends and if he does like me I won't regret having stayed silent. "It is better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all." Though I don't believe that quote pertains to this type of situation. I had to tell him. But not right now, I wouldn't want to ruin this and I'm not ready to tell him; I need to prepare myself. And I have to do it before Harry comes, I really do.

Aug. 16^th

I woke up early and the morning was pretty normal for a Sunday at the Weasleys'. I tried to help with breakfast but I can't cook at all and ended up in charge of setting the table for the Brunch. It turns out that Ron can cook a little and he's certainly better than I am. I learned that Mrs. Weasley is going to try to get training at St. Mungo's Hospital this fall and hopefully start working there.

"A lot more people are going to be ending up there during this war. When You-Know-Who was in power before the hospital was more than full and the need for more staff was endless. We're afraid that this is going to happen this time too, but better they end up in the hospital then dead, I suppose," Mr. Weasley explained.

I read my book for the rest of the morning because I really didn't want to help throw potato-people over fences (gnomes). I mean, they're just following their nature! Though, I also understand why people don't want them in their garden. Speaking of which, I hadn't seen Crookshanks since we let him out of the car upon arrival. The food I put out for him always disappears, so I suppose he's just out hunting the gnomes, following his nature.

Bill had left in the morning to visit some friends and Percy was working in his room, but the rest of the Weasley children went out to get rid of the gnomes, again. Mrs. Weasley was on a house-cleaning extravaganza and Mr. Weasley had disappeared to the garage and his precious plugs. I was basically alone in the house, reading on a lovely summer's day. After about half an hour Crookshanks came in and sat in my lap, perfecting the moment. I suppose he was scared off by the activities in the garden.

Around noon the de-gnomers trooped back in to the house for lunch. I knew I had to talk with Ron after lunch. I had to do this before Harry got here, I had to.

After lunch Ron asked me to play a game of chess, and I said that I would, hoping to talk to him during the game. Of course, that's not how things worked out. We were playing in the sitting room and Ginny was in there reading, and people kept walking through, so there was no way to talk to him in private. He won, of course, and I wasn't playing my best since I was so distracted by what I needed to do.

When we finished the game, I gathered up my courage,

"Ron, um, can I, um talktoyou, in, um, private?" I mumbled.

"What? Oh, yeah, sure, I was meaning to, um, talk to you too," was his response. Uh, oh! What did he want to talk to me about? I started to worry, what if he wanted to tell me about his relationship with somebody else. What if that was what he wanted to tell me???? Just don't think about it, relax, Hermione, relax. Breath in, breath out, breath in, breath, ahhhh.

We reached his bedroom and went in. He sat on the bed and I took the desk chair, it was old and rickety, but I was pretty sure it would hold up.

"So, um, what was it you, um, wanted to talk to me about?" Ron asked.

"Oh, well, I really want, er, need to, er, ask you, or, um, tell you that..." Oh my God, I sounded like such an idiot.

"I mean, well, it's kind of hard to say..." I tried again, "what was it that you wanted to tell me?"

"Oh, well, erm, why don't you tell me first," was Ron's oh so helpful reply.

"Well, I would wait to tell you but, I, um, should do so before Harry gets here," I was able to get out.

"What does Harry have to do with it?" Ron was quick to reply.

"Well, it kind of depends on what you, uh, say," I was able to answer, "I wanted to tell you that I..."

Suddenly a shrill, piercing, feminine scream broke the air.