Nobody Understands

Chapter 5:

October 27^th:

It seems it's all about Quidditch for the boys right now. Angelina is having them practice everyday until November 4^th, which is their first game. It's going to be against Ravenclaw. Harry is ecstatic because he hasn't played a game of Quidditch for so long because of the Tri-wizard tournament, and Ron is ecstatic because it will be his first real game ever! But all this practicing is leaving almost no time for them to do homework. I'm being really nice and getting out all the books they might need to do their work and staying up late to help them with it. They have been grateful for it, and I'm glad. I would do a lot for my friends and I know how important Quidditch is for them. I've never been much into sports, though.

My watch read 10:23 when the Quidditch team walked in. I was taking more notes on the OWLs, but was slowly fading as I had woken up very early this morning. Everyone hurried up to take quick showers and Ron was the first one down.

"Hi, Hermione," he said quietly, "I've been wanting to talk to you...for awhile, um..."

"Here, come sit down, Ron, you look exhausted! I got some books out for the Transfiguration project, McGonagall assigned us. It's due soon, and you have practice everyday, so if you aren't too tired, I suggest you and Harry get to work on it." I didn't know why I wasn't letting him say whatever he wanted to. For some reason I felt worried about what he was going to say, even though I was also very curious.

"You're right as usual, Hermione. But, I'd better say something before I lose my, my nerve," he was able to say. Was it possible that he liked me? In that way? No, I told myself, of course he doesn't have those sorts of feelings for me.

"Why are you nervous, Ron? I'm your friend, what do you think I would do?"

"Well, this is, it's just that, well, ok, I'll try to say this: Ilikeyou and willyougotothedancewithme?"

"Wait! Did you say what I thought you did? You like me?" I couldn't believe what he was saying, or I thought he was saying. But maybe he just meant, "Do you mean like, like friends, or like like?" That made no sense at all, Hermione.

"Oh!" Ron was beet red with embarrassment, "I f-fancy you, Hermione." He stuttered out. All I could do was stare. Oh My God!!! He fancied me????

Ron seeing my look misinterpreted it, "I'm sorry, I didn't think you'd feel the same way. I just wanted to know...but I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship..."

"Oh, Ron! I'm sorry; I do like you, like that! I just didn't think there was a chance you'd like me! Oh, Ron!" I gave him a comforting hug.

"R-really? You like me, too?"

"Yes, Ron, I like you. I could, well, I could even say that I love you, am in-love with you."

"R-really? But...well, I love you too, 'Mione. Oh, sorry, I forgot you don't like nick-names!"

"From you, Ron, it's fine. Actually, I rather like 'Mione..." A pause in conversation, then I spoke, "Ron, may I...may I kiss you?" I asked shyly. He nodded in response. Gazing into each others eyes, both of us still shocked. We leaned towards each other, and out lips met. It wasn't a kiss like the books describe or the movies show. It was the first real kiss for both of us, so it wasn't particularly passionate or graceful. Our lips touched. I felt a bit of electricity as they touched. Our noses didn't seem to fit right, but his lips were soft and warm. It felt interesting, but it wasn't like I expected. I knew that this was what I wanted, but it felt rather awkward and strange at the same time. I also didn't know what to do with my hands or if I should press my lips harder against Ron's or what. All these thoughts flashed through my head as we kissed. It seemed like it was a long time, but in reality it had only been a few seconds. We pulled back from each other. I just stared at Ron. I couldn't believe that I had just kissed Ron! I had just kissed Ron!!!! Oh My God!!

"Wow," Ron breathed.

"Wow," I agreed. "I can't believe that this is really happening. Am I dreaming?"

"If you are, then I am," said Ron. We smiled at each other.

"So..." I began, not sure what to do now. I pushed my hair behind my ear. "There was something about the dance, you were saying? Before we...kissed?"

Ron blushed at the word 'kissed,' "Oh, right, of course. 'Mione, will you go to the Halloween dance with me?"

"Of course I will, Ron, I wouldn't go with any one else." I wondered if this was the best night of my life.

October 28^th:

I woke up late this morning, and was almost late for class. I couldn't believe that what had happened last night had been real! I was so happy when Ron gave me a "secret" smile when I got to the table at breakfast and blushed. Everyone else was leaving so I just grabbed a muffin and spread some butter on it. I raced into Potions; just in time.

"Tardy today, are we Miss Granger?" Professor Snape asked, with iron in his nasal voice.

"Uh, no, Professor, a-according to my watch I am right on time," I argued back, trying to stay polite.

"For your tardiness, five points from Gryffindor, for talking back, ten more points will be deducted." I couldn't believe how unfair this teacher was. I knew through Hagrid ("I'm not s'pose ter say, but..."), that he had done very dangerous work for Dumbledore and that he was definitely working against the Death Eaters. Harry told us he thought Snape might be trying to win Voldemort's trust again, but he also said that Voldemort had said that he would kill Snape if he returned. So, we weren't so sure if that's what he was doing or not.

I should also mention that Hagrid had told us a bit about what he did this summer. He had, as Harry had expected, visited some of the giants. And Madame Maxine even went with him! They are a couple now! They visit each other every other weekend. Anyway, they visited some of the giants, and some of them signed treaties to remain neutral, others to be on our side, and a few tried to kill them. But most of the giants did agree not to go back to Voldemort. Hagrid's mum did agree to come onto our side but Madame Maxine's mum was already dead. At least, I think it was her mum. I mean, imagine trying to give birth to someone the size of Hagrid or Maxine without being a giant!

At lunch, I told Ron that we needed to talk. It seemed kind of strange to be saying that because in so many of my books the girl always says that to the guy. But I wanted to do it for basically the same reasons the characters in my books did: to define our relationship, to find out what our relationship would mean to him and to the other people in our lives, to find out why he liked me, etc... I felt like this was very important. Although I wouldn't mind getting another few kisses as well. That was not a Hermione thought! I don't know how being in-love can make me so silly! I haven't been acting like myself.

Ron agreed to talk, with a small smile on his face. Harry looked back and forth between us, and grinned broadly. He made a big show of looking away from us, like we were going to start snogging in front of him or something!

"For goodness sakes, Harry, don't be a prat!" I said angrily. Harry just winked at me. He can be so infuriating! Other people at the Gryffindor table were now staring at us. Ron and I both blushed. This would be all over the school by this evening. I should have kept my mouth shut.

Finally classes were over! I hardly ever think that, but I really wanted to find out what I mean to Ron...

"Ron!" I called as I came into the common room, straight from Arithmancy.

"Hey, 'Mione! Come over here." He had been waiting for me!

"Hi, how was Divination?" I always asked, just in case something interesting had happened. Harry made a loud snore. "Boring as ever, I see. You really should have quit..."

"Hermione, you say that just about every day we have Divination!" Ron said.

"I'm sorry, but it's true! Anyhow..." I wanted to talk with Ron. I looked at Harry expectantly. He realized why I was looking at him pretty fast.

"Oh, uh, I'll leave you two alone, shall I?" and left before we could respond.

"Well..." Ron said.

"Well..." I said, "I guess I should start." I kept my voice down so that the people doing homework on the other side of the room couldn't hear. "I realized that I loved you, in more than a brotherly-fashion, this summer. I may have felt like that longer, and I think I might have, but I didn't realize that I liked you until this summer. I thought that you wouldn't like me because we fight a lot and I'm ugly and I'm a bossy know-it-all. Don't deny it! You know all those things are true." He had been trying to interrupt me. "You can talk in a moment, it's my turn." I smiled to show I wasn't angry. "We've been friends for four years now. I value your friendship more than you know. I hadn't had real friends for years before you and Harry became my friends. I was afraid that if I said anything than you wouldn't want to be my friend anymore. I love you, I really do, but I'm still afraid about how this will change things with Harry, your family, and other people. I'm also not sure what your plans are in this. If I didn't know you so well I would be afraid that this was some sort of bet or joke. I'm really not sure what you want our relationship to be or what last night meant to you..." I paused for a moment, "OK, I'm done with my speech. It's your turn." I still felt nervous, afraid I would say something wrong, I made a slight giggle. I'm giggling, how girlish of me! It's just from nervousness, I told myself, try to relax. Ron smiled at me.

"Well, we seem to have the same doubts. Although, mine have been around longer...since the Yule Ball, when I finally realized that I had a crush on you. Actually I had a crush on you second year. Remember?" he asked, seeing my disbelieving look, "When I threw up slugs for you?"

"Oh, Ron! I remember that perfectly! I didn't know you had a crush on me, though!" Ron was blushing.

He cleared his throat, "Anyhow, Harry figured it out at the Yule Ball; around the same time I did. I was so jealous of Krum, and I didn't know why. Harry didn't confront me until this summer. My whole family could tell, and teased me constantly about it. I was able to convince the twins not to tell you by blackmailing them. They were the ones who blew up the garden when Mum was gone; she never found who did it or what happened, so I threatened to tell her. But..."

"Well, Ginny did tell me...though I didn't believe her," I said, blushing a bit myself.

"She did?" Ron looked rather angry.

"Well, I didn't know until you talked to me last night. I had told her I liked you, and she insisted that I tell you. Well, I tried to tell you, but then Percy's hand got stuck in the toilet." We laughed when I said that.

"Yes, I remember, I was afraid you were going to tell me you were with Harry," Ron said, grinning his adorable grin.

"Harry? You thought I was dating Harry?!!"

"Yes, remember you said something about wanting to do this before Harry arrived." He was so sweet!

"Oh, Ron, I'm so sorry to confuse you like that! One time I thought you and Harry might be together, too!" I laughed and Ron blanched. "Oh, Ron, stop being homophobic!"

"I'm not being homophobic! It's just... me and Harry?" Ron had such a funny look on his face, I laughed.

"I'm sorry Ron; you should just see the look on your face!"

"It's ok...but you know you've interrupted my 'speech' a whole bunch of times!"

"I'm sorry Ron, please continue."

"Ok, well, I didn't think you would ever like me. I mean you are so much smarter than me, I'm a nothing! I'm just Harry's little side-kick. I mean, I'm not blaming him or anything, but, well, I am. You are the most intelligent witch, I mean wizard," he corrected himself, grinning. I grinned back. "You're always helping everyone, you're so caring. I didn't see how I could ever match up!" I wanted to argue but Ron wasn't about to let me. "I still don't understand why you like me."

"Well, I don't know why you like me either! As a friend or a girlfriend!" I said. OK, so "girlfriend" wasn't the politically correct term. Whatever. "Why?" I asked in a voice that was small and weak.

"Why? 'Mione! You are brilliant! Like I said before. And you're nice to everyone, you care so much about everybody's welfare and you're always helpful. I thought I said this before!"

"Well," I admitted, "You sort of did, but I get mad at you all the time. And even if we didn't fight too much, I'm hardly girlfriend material. I have the worst looks, and you're not blind! Why would any teenager be attracted this," I said spreading my hands to show my whole body, "I'm not just plain; I'm ugly--look at my hair!"

"Hermione! Stop! I love your hair. It has personality. I think you are beautiful! No, you're not exotic looking like Parvati, and you aren't classic like Lavender, but you have your own beauty. It's unique, and I love you for all your traits!" He was so wonderful. I didn't know if he was telling the truth or not, but it was a beautiful lie if he was.

"Oh, Ron!" I looked around carefully, nobody was looking. I leaned forward a kissed him on the lips. I turned my head some this time so our noses didn't hit. It was a bit sweeter this time since we knew what to do. When we pulled back he was grinning again.

"Well, I suppose it's my turn to tell you what I like about you," I said. Ron nodded, though his smile faded a bit. "This is a bit difficult for me because there is so much I love about you. I love how loyal you always are. To Harry, to me, to your family. How protective you are, even though it can drive Ginny and me crazy sometimes. You are so adorable when you blush." He blushed. "Yes, just like that. I adore your red hair, too. You are fun to argue with, though it often ends up hurtful for us both. I still love your passion. I love how you try hard to do what you want to do, even if you have a lot trouble doing so. The way you throw yourself fully into things you care about. You always have time to comfort me if I had a bad day. You make me laugh. You are a great person, and it hurts me to see how your self-esteem is so low. I know that it must be hard not to have enough money and to be the youngest boy. How people see you as nothing more than Harry's friend. Speaking of which, that is how Ginny feels about being your sister--Harry never notices her. But that's off the topic; those are some of the reasons I love you."

I looked around, somebody was looking towards us. When the 6^th year turned away, we leaned forward and kissed lightly again. I was so happy! My life was going right. I had gotten my wish. Well, one of my wishes. I also wish for peace in the wizarding and muggle worlds, the end of world hunger, the end of the destruction of the environment, and freedom for everyone (which includes the end of all "isms"). But, my personal wish had been granted.

October 29^th:

It was the day that Ron and I were officially a couple that it happened. Something we all knew would happen soon. I had finished writing my weekly letter to my parents and was at dinner with Ron. We were holding hands under the table. The other Gryffindors were watching us, realizing that we were a couple. Dumbledore suddenly stood up.

"Colin and Dennis Creevey, please go with Professor McGonagall. This isn't for punishment, boys. Please, go along now." McGonagall walked towards them. I had never seen such a sympathizing look on her face before. As the exited the dining hall Dumbledore spoke again:

"The unspoken fear has happened;" he said gravely, "Their father has been killed by some of Voldemort's supporters." Most of Hogwarts gasped. Malfoy and some of the other Slytherins laughed and joked among themselves; unfazed by this announcement.

"I expect all of you to show the proper respect to the Creeveys; their father was the only family they had. Other muggle killings have been happening, but this was the first close family member of a Hogwarts student. A minute of silence, please, for those who have and will be killed because of Voldemort"."

Tears ran down my face, crying for all the people who had been killed. Harry's parents, Cedric, the Creevey brothers' father, and everyone else. I cried for those who would die in the coming war. I cried for all the pain people like Neville and Harry had suffered from the hands of this evil wizard. Yes, I knew what had happened to Neville's parents. I had asked a long time ago why he lived with his grandmother. He had told me the truth and I had comforted him the best I could. He asked me not to tell anyone else.

After dinner, Ron and I went on a walk. The sun was setting as we walked by the lake. He leaned over and we kissed. We were getting quite good at this. I hoped no one was watching; kissing was something private. I didn't mind people seeing us hold hands, but kissing was something different; it was intimate and not something I would want to share with the rest of the world.

When it got dark we went back inside the castle and I went up to our beds. I lay awake for a long time. I was sixteen. That seemed so old. It seemed like I should be all grown up. I did have a boyfriend. That was a sign of maturity, wasn't it? But if I didn't have a boyfriend, would that make me not so grown-up? My thoughts were starting to tumble around each other, not making enough sense to keep thinking.

October 31^st:

I got ready for the dance later than most of the girls but earlier than most of the boys. I had the same robes I had worn to the Yule Ball. Most of the girls had new ones, but I don't know what the point is--it seems like a waste of perfectly good robes to me. I didn't get as dressed up as last time. I put my hair up, but I didn't use any hair potion to make it behave. Ginny helped me make it stay in the clips I put it in; she knew a few hair charms to get all the strands to stay put for during the dance. I really should find out what other things she knows, they could be quite useful. I didn't wear any makeup. I put her hair up in two buns on either side of her head. She wasn't going with anyone, but she wanted to go to the dance for the food and to see what happened. She said she wished she had a camera to take embarrassing pictures of people to send to their parents. I found that very amusing.

Ron had new robes that George and Fred had gotten him. They were dark blue and looked nice on him, but I wouldn't have cared if he wore the same terrible robes as last year, I was just happy to be with him. Harry wore the same green robes, and looked as good, if not better, than last year. He hardly glanced at Ginny who also had new robes, also courtesy of the twins and looked stunning. Harry was in a rush to meet Cho, and he kept running his fingers through his hair, trying to get it to flatten. We were going with Harry to meet Cho, so we hardly got to glance at any of the other Gryffindors. Angelina and Fred looked adorable together, as always. Katie and Lee were laughing about something as they went down the stairs. I couldn't see Alicia and George anywhere, but they might have already left. Lavender and Seamus were already snogging. I quickly turned away as someone else yelled "find a room!" at them. Parvati waltzed in dressed in a deep blue and gold sari and everyone gasped. She was gorgeous.

"Oh!" She exclaimed, "I almost forgot my bindi!" She held a red dot in her hand and carefully put it on the middle of her forehead. "What?" she asked the onlookers, "I'm not allowed to show my heritage?"

Everyone quickly assured her that she was, but Ron and I were busy trying to catch up with Harry. We found him and Dean walking towards Ravenclaw. Cho was waiting with a few other Ravenclaws.

"Hello Harry!" She smiled at us cheerfully, "And Ron and Hermione, right?" We nodded. "Well, you two look great together! There were a few rumors before, but now I see that they are right for once." She laughed; she had a very pretty laugh. We smiled back at her. We walked towards the dining hall, and we talked with Cho. I found out she was a lot nicer than I had expected. Harry was just glowing to be with her. Poor Ginny, she really does have genuine competition, not just a doll.

We entered the great hall, and all of the prefects' hard work on decorating was appreciated. Everything was black and orange and Hagrid's giant pumpkins had become fabulous jack-o-lanterns. The ghosts were there, drifting through the walls for a delightfully spooky sight. The food was all set out on two of the house tables on one side, the other two tables and teacher's table were against the wall. The band was at the back of the room, warming up. Most of the people were crowded around the food table, so I suggested to Ron that we sit down on the other side of the room until we could go eat or dance. He agreed. Slowly, more people drifted in. Parvati quickly became the center of attention; she was the only person not wearing robes. Padma looked like she wished she had worn a sari, and many other girls were throwing jealous looks at her.

Finally, the food table cleared up and we went to eat. The music had begun and most of the people were dancing. Ginny had hooked up with Colin Creevey (who was looking a bit better than he had the past few days, but still nowhere near his normal self; I was surprised he had come to the dance at all) and they were taking turns taking pictures with his camera. The teachers walked around the room trying to keep things in control. Prefects were also supposed to be keeping a look out. After Ron had eaten his fill (I had finished long before him), we went out to the dance floor. Ron kept insisting he couldn't dance but I insisted that he could learn. A waltz struck up. I put my hand on his hip and put his hand on my shoulder, explaining how it was usually the other way, but I was leading and I'm certainly not one to be sexist. He eventually the got the rhythm and stopped stepping on my feet.

After we had danced to several songs we sat back down to rest. We were having a discussion (quite civilized for us) about Potions. I kept insisting that no matter how horrible Snape was to us, that Potions was a good skill to have. Ron didn't think it was going to be necessary for most people as adults.

"Neither of my parents use potions in their jobs!" Ron insisted.

"Well," I countered, "Isn't cooking a type of potion making? Your mum does that all the time and now she's training to become a nurse--her potion skills will probably come in handy now!"

"I had forgotten she might use them in becoming a nurse..." I smiled triumphantly. "But," he continued, "Potion making really is different than cooking. I can cook; I can't pass Potions!" I laughed at that.

"I love a man who can cook!" I smiled as Ron blushed, "And I can't cook worth beans, while I am pretty good at Potions."

"You're good at everything!" Ron insisted.

"No I'm not! I just said I can't cook! Obviously I'm not good at everything!" As I spoke I watched Harry and Cho slip outside. I knew what that meant... I really hope Harry knows what he's doing though; I mean he really doesn't know Cho that well.

Ron saw them too. "'Mione..." He gave me a meaningful glance.

"Ron, I'm a prefect remember...I have to stay and make sure everyone behaves."

"Oh," he sighed, "Oh yeah, I forgot." I glared at him. "Not that you're a prefect! I just forgot you had to watch." He smiled at me, shyly.

"Oh, Ron!" I gave him a hug. I wasn't going to kiss him in a big crowd. "Just a moment... speaking of me being here to watch people." I got up and went up to a couple I didn't recognize, but looked to be 6^th or 8^th years.

"Excuse me! But that is inappropriate behavior at Hogwarts!" They were 'freak dancing' and I really didn't want to watch this. But I was also scared--they seemed twice as tall as me, and I was telling them to how behave. This was also my job and I had to do it.

"Please, I don't like being bossy, but you need to stop." They continued to ignore me, wrapped up in each other. This was so disgusting. "I'll have to get one of the professors if you don't stop acting in this inappropriate manner!" Damn, these idiots! I was about to go and get a professor, when McGonagall came up and told me she would handle them. I had a feeling there would be many lost points and two detentions. I left it to her.

As I was heading back to Ron, I saw Harry dash through the doors and out the other side. He looked like he might be crying. Cho came in a moment after him. She looked around the room for a second and then took off in the direction Harry had gone. I looked at Ron, he looked back and nodded. We both got up and ran after Harry and Cho. We only caught up at the Fat Lady where Cho was standing there, tears in her eyes.

"Please," she whimpered, "I have to talk to him, if he tells anyone..."

The Fat Lady just told her, "You don't have the password and I know you're not from my house, anyway!" We walked up behind her.

"Cho," I said, trying not to startle her, "Cho, what happened? What's wrong?"

"Oh, hi Hermione, uh, Ron," She mumbled, quickly wiping away her tears. "I, um, really need to talk with Harry." Her makeup was smeared on her face. I dug out some tissues from my robes; it helps to be prepared, and handed them to her. She wiped her face and thanked me. Ron stood there, unsure of what to do.

"Ron," I said, taking charge, "you go check on Harry." He whispered the password ("pumpkin punch") and slipped through the portrait hole. "I'm sorry Cho, but as a prefect, I can't allow you to go into the Gryffindor tower."

She nodded, "I understand...it's just that...I really need to speak with Harry, about...well..." I was sometimes good at reading people.

"I'm pretty sure that you both saw your relationship differently. I know that Harry has had a crush on you since his third year. I'm assuming you don't feel the same about him?"

"Yes, it isn't that he isn't a nice person and all... but, well, I just don't, can't, feel that way about him..."

I had a guess after that little announcement, "Cho, don't take this as an insult or anything, but are you a lesbian?"

She started crying at that. "Please, please, don't tell anyone!" She was begging me! "I had to tell Harry when he tried to kiss me," she blushed slightly, "I was hoping that telling the truth wouldn't hurt him as much. I didn't get to finish explaining to him... just please, please don't tell anyone."

"I promise I won't tell anyone. I'm sorry that you are afraid of being hurt. I really don't see what's wrong with being gay... but I promise no one will know of this from me, or Harry. I'll make sure he knows not to tell."

Cho smiled slightly, "I'm sorry I am crying so much. I am just afraid of what many of my friends will think, and I cannot tell my family. A few very close friends know... Cedric knew. Yes, I know everyone thought we were a couple, but really it was just that we were best friends. He was a wonderful person, and I think he and Harry could have gotten a long quite well, also... but I really can't feel anything more for Harry than friendship. I know this hurts him, but, I'm sorry, and there is nothing I can do. I'm sorry; blabbering on like this... you really don't need to know all this. But, the real reason I can't say is that my family would disown me..."

"Oh, Cho, I'm so sorry... I wish there was a way I could help you. I'm surprised you told me anything, you barely know me. Thank you for telling me." I smiled sweetly at her.

She nodded, still sniffling a bit, "Thank you for listening. I somehow knew I could trust you. Sorry I've been crying like this. I don't know why... I don't usually cry that much."

"It's alright. I'll walk back with you to the Ravenclaw dorms. I need to talk with a professor anyway." We walked back, talking quietly. I told Cho that Harry probably would have told Ron, but that he wouldn't tell anyone else. I was almost positive of that. After saying good night to Cho, I went to the teacher's lounge, and met the Headmaster. My first choice on who to explain to.

"Good evening, Professor Dumbledore," I said, "I just wanted to explain my absence for the last part of the dance..."

"Go on, Hermione," he said calmly, smiling at me.

"I left because there were two students who were upset and I knew I needed to help them. I didn't actually get to talk with one of them, but I think I helped the other one. I'm sorry, I'm trying to keep confidentiality, and I realize I'm not being very clear, but I think that it was important enough to leave supervising the dance." I was really hoping I didn't get in trouble.

"Well, usually I would be very glad that you had helped two students, but I must know if these people were Harry and Ron. It would not be acceptable to leave your duties just because two of your friends were a little upset about something..."

"I understand, Headmaster, and Harry was one of the people, but it was someone who I only knew of that I helped the most. And she really did need help."

"Ah, and I will not tell anyone, but may I presume it was the Ravenclaw seeker, Cho Chang, the one who has so enamored Harry?" I nodded in response. "Yes, that poor girl has enough problems as it is. I'm glad you were able to talk with her. She hasn't opened up to many since Cedric Diggory's death." He sighed. "Well, thank you for coming and telling me, as we did wonder what had happened to you. But you best be off to bed. It's late."

I hurried back to Gryffindor to try and find out if Harry was ok before going to bed.

November 2^nd:

Two days until the Quidditch match. I'm glad Harry has Quidditch; it helps him get his mind off the Cho problem. The main problem I see is that Harry is going to be playing against Cho in two days! I'm not sure if either of them are ready for it. I have talked with Harry about telling people and he promised not to. He doesn't have a problem with people being gay or lesbian, he told me, but he just wished the girl he loved wasn't. I can sympathize with that, but at least Ginny now has a chance once Harry is over his "love." I personally don't think he was really in-love with Cho. I don't think you can be in-love with someone you barely know. Poor Harry, though. He hasn't had nightmares about Voldemort and Cedric for weeks, but now he's upset about Cho... this poor boy is never going to have an easy life. He has to deal with regular teenage problems, the problems with being a wizard, the problem with being the greatest enemy of one of the most powerful and evil wizards of all time, the problem of having his parents killed as a baby, having a godfather as a fugitive, etc...etc...

Ron is a better boyfriend than I would have thought of him. He tells me he loves me at least three times a day! He respects and listens to me, and is always there when I need him to be. I tell him I love him regularly as well, and am listening to him more than I used to... he is the sweetest guy, really.

My studies are getting more difficult and I'm tutoring more people. I do enjoy a challenge, but I really don't have any free time any more. I want to have some time to spend with my friends and with just Ron, but I don't really have that chance. Oh, well, I have less than three more years of schooling, then I will have a little more control over my life. Hopefully, I will have a job in which I have some regular free time.

November 5^th:

The Quidditch match was... different. Cho and Harry both played badly. I think they were trying to be nice to each other or something, but it just made both of their Houses and teams angry with them. Ron played brilliantly. Alright, so maybe he wasn't quite as good as Oliver Wood, but he was still very good. From my perspective at least, but I'm probably a bit biased. In the end, Harry did get the snitch, but only because it flew right at him and the game went on until way past midnight! Before the snitch was caught it was 100-90, Gryffindor in the lead. So everyone is happy, except for Harry because even though he's glad we won, he still thought that Cho let him get the snitch, which may as well be true. I had to force everyone to go to bed, with the help of Evan Merid, another prefect. The other prefects had already gone to bed, or else were partying with everyone else.

November 12^th:

I came into the common room, heading down to eat dinner, when I saw Ron, Harry, and Seamus all sitting around laughing at something.

"Ok, ok, here's a good one..." Ron began telling a horribly sexist, lewd, and demeaning joke. I just stood there behind them, aghast that they were doing this. Harry and Seamus both laughed loudly at the end of the joke. I certainly found nothing amusing about it.

"Ronald Weasley! How dare you! I can't believe... I 'm so ashamed..." I couldn't even finish my sentences I was gasping with fury. Ron looked at me, ashamed, as he well should be, at being caught.

"I though you had changed, Ron! I thought you had finally grown up! I can't believe you would say something demeaning and ignorant. So blatantly sexist and chauvinistic. I am furious with you. If you ever wish to speak with me again, you had damn well better have a good excuse and an even better apology! And you two," I said, turning on Harry and Seamus, "thinking that was amusing. I can't believe it! No wonder you can't get a girlfriend, Harry, and your 'girlfriend' has been with half the boys in the school Seamus!" I gave them all my death glare and I could tell that they were definitely wishing they hadn't laughed. Ron was cowering as well. Bloody hell! I shouldn't have gotten so angry, but I had thought my friends were better than the petty Slytherins. I had thought Ron loved me as a person, not some bloody object! I had heard so many sexist, homophobic, classist, mudblood, and even racist remarks recently that I was in no mood to listen to them from people I thought were different.

"I...I'm sorry 'Mione...I...I wasn't thinking. I don't know why I...I told that...I just thought...well, I did think it was kind of funny and I didn't think that you were around." I had been softening to him, until he said that. Death glare was back. "But, I hadn't really thought about how, uh, sexist and the other stuff you said, uh, demeaning to women, and all. I'm really, really sorry 'Mione. I promise I won't tell any more jokes like that without thinking...But really, Hermione, I didn't think it would upset you that bad. It is horrible, I admit, but it really isn't that bad as these sorts of jokes go..." Ron gave me his pitiful puppy-dog eye look. Before I could respond Harry spoke up.

"I'm sorry too, Hermione, it is a terrible 'joke.' But Ron is right, it's better than some of the jokes I've heard...like the one about the gay man and the refrigerator..."

"Stop!" I yelled, "I don't want to hear it!"

"Just kidding with you Hermione, I won't tell that joke. I find it horrid." I raised my eyebrow at him. He just shrugged. Seamus mumbled an apology and he and Harry left for dinner, leaving with Ron.

"I'm sorry, Ron, I shouldn't have gotten so upset. I've just been in a bad mood all day. It was horrible of you for telling it, but I shouldn't have said all the things I did. I forgive you for telling it, as long as there are no such repeats and if you forgive me for yelling at you." Ron did forgive me, and as far as I know he has not told another sexist joke.

November 15^th:

"Hey Ron! Want to go on a date to Hogsmead this weekend? We've only been on a real date when we went to the dance. They have a new restaurant opening, and I'm curious." I smiled expectantly as he had been bothering me to take some time off and do something fun.

"Well," Ron had his worried face on, "You know I want to, 'Mione..."

"Oh, Ron, don't be silly, I'll pay. No," I insisted, seeing the look on his face, "I'm asking you out on a date, so I'll pay. Ron, that's how it works, unless you go double-Dutch, the person who asks out pays. Also, I get a regular allowance from my parents once a week. I have plenty to spend. I don't care that you don't have much money, Ron. Stop giving me that look! I'll pay for it if I want to!" I was firm enough to finally convince him. Poor Ron thought I wouldn't want to go if he didn't pay. How silly! If I was as low on money as he was then we would go double-Dutch, split the cost between us. But I really did have a fair amount of money. My parents weren't really rich, but we certainly weren't poor either.

November 17^th:

I got up early and put on muggle clothes that we were allowed to wear on the weekends and to Hogsmead. I dressed up slightly, blue jeans with a nice pull-over periwinkle jumper. (A/N for Americans: sweater) I worked on my Arithmancy chart in the common room until Ginny came down. We talked for a bit about random things and waited until Ron and Harry came downstairs. Then we all left for breakfast together. Harry had started to take a little more interest in Ginny of late, and I was trying to encourage Ginny about what it might mean. Ron didn't seem completely thrilled about this, so I put it in the back of my mind of things to discuss with him today.

We walked to the carriages with many other students, but were able to get one to ourselves. I hate the term 'snogging' but this was certainly more passionate than our earlier kisses. We had straightened ourselves out by the time the horseless carriages had come to a stop, and did not look anything but respectable.

"You look extra pretty today, 'Mione," Ron whispered in my ear as we entered the village. I blushed a little and smiled at him.

It was a cloudy day, cool, but not freezing. A relatively nice day for mid-November. We walked along the main street of Hogsmead, holding hands, and definitely looking like a couple. There were many Hogwarts' students who came here for dates. In fact, I saw many couple I knew including Angelina and Fred, Dean and what's-his-name-again? and Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson (ugh!).

We visited several stores, and talked with a few friends me met up with. When it got close to lunch, we went to find this new restaurant.

The Wizard's Wheel Restaurant, now open for business, was a nice place. Not too expensive but with good food; fancier than The Three Broomsticks for sure, but not one of those horribly fancy restaurants where everyone is dressed up and the meals cost a fortune and if you don't order the most expensive thing on the menu, everyone else in the restaurant looks down on you. This was my type of restaurant. It was quiet and clean, peaceful and relaxing, they had used magic to make it larger than it looked. It was one large rounded room, and it looked like at night it might become a dance hall. We ordered our food. Ron wanted to get really cheap things for himself, but I insisted he get what he really wanted; though I preferred not to pay for red meat, he could get a dish with it if he really wanted to. The food arrived much sooner than it would have in muggle restaurant, but we had time to talk beforehand because the restaurant was getting busy. I decided they must have a quieting charm up considering how full the restaurant was getting yet the noise level did not rise. I mentioned it to Ron and he agreed that that's probably what it was.

"In all the regular restaurants, you know, not like The Three Broomsticks, they put the charms up so people can dine more peacefully. I think it's a good idea, and I wish people used it other places more so people can hear each other. But it is bloody difficult to do to a large place."

"Ron, please don't swear."

"Sorry. But, anyway, that's why it's only done in good restaurants, so they can afford someone who specializes in quieting charms. They have to come back often to reset them."

"See? You do know more than me on some subjects." I smiled at him, returning to his old argument that I was too smart for him. He blushed and grinned and we turned to other topics as we ate. Eventually I brought up Ginny.

"Ron, you're stifling her. She's only a year younger than you! And girls usually mature faster than boys. If Harry falls in-love with her, and I really hope he does, they seem so right for each other, then you need to let the relationship happen!"

"But 'Mione, Ginny is...it's just that...it's Ginny..."

"Yes, it's Ginny! But you didn't have a problem taking Padma to the ball last year, did you? Ginny is just slightly younger than you were than...wait, when is her birthday anyway?"

"Uh, February the 14^th...Valentines Day."

"So she's less than a year younger than you! Your birthday is in March!"

"You don't know the day do you?" Ron teased.

"Yes I do, it's the, uh, 7^th!" I said triumphantly, "So, ha!" We laughed and chatted some more, but I knew that if Ginny and Harry were ever going to get together, I would have to work harder on getting Ron to accept it. Part of Harry's reluctance might have to do with how he's afraid of Ron's reaction. As the day came to an end, we walked back to the carriages.

"Ron, she really isn't a little girl anymore. You need to accept that."

"Huh? What?" Ron's mind was clearly on something else.

"Ginny," I said, "She's grown-up now, she'll be fifteen in three months. She is in-love with Harry, whether you are ready to admit that or not. I don't know how Harry feels, but if he does like her, he's probably not doing anything because he's afraid you'll be angry. He values your friendship too much to risk it."

"Oh," was Ron's only response. He didn't seem sure about how to react to this.

"Just try to loosen up about it a bit more. It could be a lot worse, you know, Ginny could like Malfoy or something. If that were the case, I certainly would be worried, but it's your best-friend. I really think you can trust both of them." He still just shrugged. "Ron, at least tell Harry that it's ok if he wants to go out with her. That you won't murder him. Please? If not for Ginny, then for me?" I gave him my best pleading look and he consented to tell Harry something like that, soon.