Love Always Finds a Way

FIVE

The next day Ron and Hermione were sitting at a table by themselves. Ron could tell she had something on her mind. She slowly told him about Krum's kiss and how she struggled with it. Ron's face turned red with anger. His face coupled with his hair made him look like a tomato.

Hermone snickered, which made him even more, angry. "Ron!" "Ron! Calm down!" Taking his hand, she said, "Ron, I admit I struggled last night, but please, please, believe me when I tell you that you are the one I love. As a matter of fact, I want to tell Viktor again what I told him in the letter I wrote him, that he and I are just friends." Ron's face went back to its normal color. These words were pleasing for him to hear. "However, I want to tell him alone." Ron's face changed color again. Hermione thought he looked like a chameleon.

"Why do you have to be alone with him," asked Ron, with a look of frustration.

"Because, Hermione said, I feel it is the best way." "Please Ron."

"Oh! Oh! All right, Ron said, breaking down.

"Ooh! Here he comes! Er- quick! Hide under the table!"

"What!" Said Ron, with a look of disbelief.

"Just do as I say!" said Hermione, with a forceable voice.

"Bloody hell,"said Ron. Reluctingly, Ron obeyed. Viktor Krum saw her. It appeared he had not seen Ron sitting with her. He approached her and sat down.

"Hello Hermy-own-ninny."

"Hi," said Hermione timidly.

"Vare iss Veesley?"

"Er- oh- hes around," said Hermione, looking down at the table.

"Howse can you luf him zo?" said Krum, staring at her.

"Oh sometimes it can be rather difficult," said Hermione, giving him a week smile. When she said that, Ron perked up.

"So loving me can be difficult," he thought. "Well, I will bloody well show her." Then an outlandish idea came to his head. He slowly removed her shoe. Hermione suddenly sat straight up. Her eyes almost bulging. She looked strange to Krum, but he said nothing. When Ron removed her sock, she looked even stranger. Ron began to lovingly kiss the calf of her leg. Slowly he worked his way down to her ankle. He then began playfully kissing each of her toes. By now Hermione is about to faint. Krum knew something was wrong. Hermione continued to say everything was all right, even though she wanted to scream. In the mean time Ron was beginning to enjoy himself, laughing at the thought of what Hermione's facial expressions must look like. A wicked smile went across his face. He started to lick her toes.

Hermione could not stand it any longer. She smacked Ron in his face with the object of his affection. Ron wanted to bite her foot, but restrained himself. Hermione finally composed her self.

"Viktor, I want you to know that I think the world of you. However, we can only be friends. Though it can be a test for my patience, I am in love with that silly git Ron Weasley." Krum glared at her. He got up and looked at her with a look that kind of frightened her.

"Uf course," he said. He then walked a way. With Krum gone Hermione looked under the table. With controlled fury, she said, "What are you doing?" Ron came out from under the table.

"What?" he said, with the look of innocence. Hermione in her frustration put her sock and shoe on, and then stomped off. Ron knew he had gone too far and that he was in big, big trouble.

Later that day, having stayed clear of Hermione, Ron decided to look for her and take his medicine. He found her in the Gryffindor common room. She was sitting on a big couch, in front of the fireplace. He walked to her. Stood in front of her. She said nothing. He decided to get on bended knee and ask her forgiveness. When he began to kneel, she looked at him with fire in her eyes and yelled.

"Get a way from my foot!" Ron stood up. With control she said, "I would like to inform you Mr. Weasley that I had not bathed today. Therefore, my foot was rather unclean, when you kissed and LICKED it!" Ron took a tone of red. "Mr. Weasley, you will now go into the boys bath, brush your teeth, wash your face, especially your loving lips, come back her and give me a proper kiss!" Ron stood and stared at her. He smiled.

"Yes luv." He left to go to the bath knowing he was forgiven.

When he was gone, Hermione sat down and snickered. When he returned, he took her hands and helped her stand up. He moved toward her, cupped her face in his hands, and gave her a very long kiss. He drew back. "Beats kissing my foot doesn't it?" said Hermione, with a smile.

"Er- it sure does," said Ron, as he looked down at the floor, focusing on her foot, giving a slight giggle. When he looked up, Hermione's eyes were blazing. Ron quickly wiped the smile off his face and cleared his throat. "Come on down to the Great Hall and I will buy you dinner." She raised her eyebrow.

"Dinner is free." Ron stood there silent. She took his arm. "However, eating dinner with you sounds wonderful, as long as you remain on top of the table." During dinner Ron would drop food on the floor so he would have to go down underneath the table to fetch it. When he saw Hermione's expression, he decided that this was really pushing his luck. For the rest of the time they ate, he did not go under the table once. After dinner, they went back to the common room and sat down on the couch. He put his arm around her and she lay her head on his chest. He kissed her on the top of her head.

"I have an idea,"he said, with big smile on his face.

"What?" she said, nervously.

"Let's play footsie." She rolled her eyes and gave him a fake stern look.

"Ooh! Ronald Weasley." She layed her head on his chest and gave a slight giggle.

SIX

The next day was a big event for all of the houses of Hogwarts. After breakfast, all the Quidditch players of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin met at the field. They were going to watch Viktor Krum fly about the field, showing them the various moves of a world class Quidditch player. All the students, faculty, and any one related to the school who wished to attend were allowed to do so. Almost the whole school turned out to watch their house players fly with Krum. Hermione and Ron watched as the players of each house had their turn. First Hufflepuff, then Ravenclaw, after these two houses, Krum took a short break. While Krum was on break, Hermione kept watching him. He kept looking at the crowd of students, teachers, and some spectators. His gaze finally settled on one section. Sitting in that section was Lucius Malfoy. Krum gave a slight nod. Hermione and Ron saw this, but thought he was just ackowledging the cheers from the crowd.

It was now Slytherin's turn to come out and fly. Draco Malfoy came out on his broom with the rest of his team. He stopped in mid air, turned, and looked at Hermione, as if he were trying to tell her something. This stare made her nervous. Suddenly, Krum came flying at Draco, almost knocking him off his broom. This brought a slight smile to her face. Draco Malfoy had been her mortal enemy since first year. However, she thought, she had noticed a change in him ever since the Yule Ball. She couldn't put her finger on it. Oh bother, she thought, its only Draco Malfoy, so who cares, I certainly don't. Krum flew in and out, showing incredible prowess. He almost looked like he was attacking Draco Malfoy. With yet another smile to her face, she thought that maybe Viktor was slightly jealous the way Draco Malfoy stared at her.

Meanwhile, Ron had to admit that Krum was an incredible player, however, just for insurance, he put his arm around Hermione. She made no move; she didn't even seem to notice. Next came Gryffindor. Harry and the rest came out. They flew with skill, but Krum's brilliance with the broom out classed them all. He was here, there, and everywhere, outside and inside.

"Wow!"Harry thought, this gye is unreal. Then Krum did the Wronski Feint, just like he did at the world Quidditch cup. All stood and clapped and cheered. Harry and the rest of the players left the field. Krum stayed and seemed to be doing victory laps.

"Big show off!" said Ron, secretly wishing it was him out there and not Krum. Hermione looked up at him and just shook her head. Coming around a turn, Krum stopped in front of Hermione and Ron.

"Hermy-own-ninny, vould you likes a vride?" She took a deep breath.

"Are you sure your broom can hold both of us?"

"Eef I didn't zink it cout, I vouldn't ask?" Hermione was very excited.

"Ooh Ron help me get on!"

"Oh sure, ya you bet!" said Ron, while he looked at Krum with utter contempt.

When Hermione was aboard, Krum looked at Ron and gave him a slight smirk. Ron wanted to reach out and slug the bounder. However, before he knew it, they were off. Hermione sat behind Krum holding on to him. This made Ron even more, angry. "The bloody hell with this," he thought. He made his way through the stands and on to the field. He watched as Krum flew Hermione in, out, and doing turns that made her yell like a little witch on an amusement ride. Harry came over to Ron.

"Don't worry ole man, she is still yours."

"I wonder?" as he turned to Harry. Up in the stands, most of the crowd had left. There were still some, but not as many. The girls especially left in anger at the thought that some how again Miss Know-it-all seemed to capture the great Krum's heart. Lucius Malfoy also looked on with interest.

" Perhaps this is the moment," he thought.

On the field there was also another interested Malfoy. Draco watched as Krum flew Hermione all over the field. He thought, "If he was going to try and kill her now there would be little he could do to stop him." He turned around and then heard the remaining crowd gasp. When he turned around, Hermione Granger was lying on the field. Ron and Harry were already running toward her. What they saw made them furious. Krum, catching Hermione off guard, turned upside down. She lost her grip and fell. It was pretty high up and she hit the field hard. Krum flew off and then came back. He got off his broom and walked toward the motionless Hermione like he didn't have a care in the world. Ron and Harry arrived at the same time as he. They bent down, calling her name. There was no response. When Krum bent toward her, Ron pushed him and told him to shove off. Krum stood up and sneered at Ron, but Ron looking again at Hermione, didn't see him. Krum turned and walked a way, smiling. Hagrid and others arrived. They had to get her to the school hospital and Madam Pomfrey in a hurry.

In the mean time Draco looked on, hoping she was all right. He wanted to go to her, but then he remembered what his father told him. As he slowly started to walk a way, he came face to face with his father. "Looks like we have accomplished our lord's wishes." Draco looked at his father's face, which showed complete delight. He looked over Draco's head and said, "Dear me, Mr. Potter does look shaken. Very good."

"Yes father," as Draco walked a way, hating himself for not trying to stop this plot. Lucius Malfoy looked at his son's reaction with curiosity. He thought for a moment and then looked at the crowd in the field putting Hermione Granger very carefully on a stretcher. He turned and walked a way being very satisfied at the day's events.

When Hermione was brought into the hospital, Madam Pomfrey made them all leave, so she could examine her. After a while, she called them back. Most of the others had left feeling that Hermione was in good hands. Ron and Harry came to Madam Pomfrey. "There are unbelievably no broken bones." To this Ron and Harry gave sighs of relief. "However, Miss Granger has had a very serious concusion." Ron and Harry looked at each other and then at Madam Pomfrey, with a deep look of concern on their faces. "Will she be ok? Harry asked. "Only time will tell. Now you must leave! Miss Granger must have rest." Ron walked past Madam Pomfrey, grabbed a chair, pulled it over to the bed, and gently took Hermione's hand. "Mr. Weasley, you must go now!"

"No," said Ron calmly.

"Er-come on Ron," said Harry, "we can visit Hermione later, er- after she has had some rest." Ron backed the chair, stood up, and turned around, and faced both Harry and Madam Pomfrey.

"No!"he shouted.

"Mr. Weasley, I must insist!" said Madam Pomfrey, with her hands on her hips.

With misty eyes, Ron yelled, "Can't you two realize that this witch is my life! I am staying here, and that's that!"

He then sat down again and took her hand. At that moment Professor McGonagall stepped in. She came to look in on Hermione. Madam Pomfrey went to Professor McGonagall and explained the situation. After conversing for a few minutes, Madam Pomfrey turned to Ron and said, "Very well Mr. Weasley, you may stay." She then walked over to Ron and kissed the top of his head. With a smile, she told Harry and Professor McGonagall that they should go. They both left the room. Madam Pomfrey turned and looked at Ron holding Hermione's hand. "Such devotion," she thought. In a hiding place stood Draco Malfoy hoping she would be all right.

"At least she was not dead," he thought. He gave a slight smile and crept out. As he was walking a way, Viktor Krum loomed in to his presence.

"Vel?" he asked, Iss she dets?"

Draco looked at him and said, "No, she is still alive."

"Damn!" said Krum, with a snarl. He grabbed Draco's robe, "I vill haf to discuss dis vis your fazer, I am gezting tired off diss little witch." Draco shoved Krum's hand a way and left. Krum watched him leave shook his head and turned and walked a way, cursing again that his plan had failed.

Two days later, Hermione began to stir. When she awoke, she looked around. Its then she saw Ron sitting beside her, holding her hand, fast asleep, with a wisp of a snore. "The silly git. I wonder how long he has been here? I wonder how long I have been here?" Ron slowly opened his eyes and saw Hermione looking at him and smiling. "You look so tired, she said, your eyes are as red as your hair."

"You should see them from the inside,"said Ron, giving a weak smile. At that moment Madam Pomfrey came into the room to see how Hermione was doing.

"Oh Miss Granger you are awake. How do you feel dear?" Hermione told her she had a small headache and that her body ached too. "I will get you something for that," said Madam Pomfrey, as she left the room. By then Ron had fallen back to sleep.

When Madam Pomfrey returned, Hermione asked her how long she had been there?

"Two days," she said.

"How long has Ron been here?'

"Two days, he absolutely refused to leave your side." Hermione looked at Ron.

"He must love me a great deal," she thought. "Er-has anyone else been here to see how I am?" asked Hermione, with a look of hope on her face. Madam Pomfrey told her that Harry, Hagrid, Professor Dumbledore, and Professor McGonagall had paid visits, but no one else. Hermoine pondered why Viktor had not come to visit her. "Perhaps he was feeling guilty, she thought, "or mabye this nutter", as she looked at Ron, "wouldn't let him see me." She gently squeezed his hand.

Ron began to awake once more. Madam Pomfrey gave Hermione a powder to help reduce the aches and pains. She then gently touched Ron. Ron awoke once more. "Mr. Weasley, you have been here two days and as you can see Miss Granger is healing. Also Mr. Weasley since you have been here two days, you are not as I would say, the freshest flower in the forest." At that Madam Pomfrey krinkled her nose. Hermione let out a light giggle. Ron looked her, trying to look offended.

"After all of this, I get told I stink." He then sniffed himself. "Well I guess I could freshen up a bit."

Hermione laughed, "A bit," she said, "Ooh", as she pinched her nose. Ron stood up.

"Huh!" as he started to turn around.

"Ron, oh Ron, I am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." He turned around, showing a big grin on his face. She smiled to. He slowly bent over and gave her a light kiss.

"I'll come back later."

She ruffled his hair with her hand and said, "You better!"

As he left, Madam Pomfrey came to her. "You rest now dear." Hermione smiled and began to drowse as the powder began to take its affect. She thought of how lucky she was to have someone care so much about her. H mm, "My Ron."

As time passed Ron returned, He slowly crossed the room and looked at Hermione. She was still sleeping. She looked so peaceful. He bent over and gently stroked her hair. He had never told her, but whenever he touched her, he would quiver. Just touching her gave him shivers down his spine. He decided not to wake her. He gave her a gentle kiss. He whispered. "I love you!" He heard someone approaching him from behind. It was Madam Pomfrey. He turned and looked at her and then turned and looked at Hermione again. "She looks so, so..."

"Tranquil," said Madam Pomfrey, smiling.

"Ya, that's it, tranquil."

"I haven't the heart to wake her," said Ron, as he looked at this young witch who had totally captured his heart. "I think I'll let her rest. If she wakes up, tell her I was here, would ya Madam Pomfrey?"

"Of course I will, Mr. Weasley."

"Thanks!" said Ron, as he bent over and ran a finger down her cheek. "Later luv." He turned and walked out of the room. Madam Pomfrey checked Hermione and then walked a way.