Harry Potter and the Orb of Slytherin

Chapter 11: A United Order

There was an uproar as everyone started barraging them with questions from all sides. Harry, Ron, and Hermione had to calm them down so they could explain.

"What are you telling us to calm down for?" Ginny asked Ron irritated. "You knew?"

"Afterwards, I did! Hermione told me of course! What kind of boyfriend would I have been had she not been able to tell me?"

"Oh dears," Mrs. Weasley said empathetically, "why didn't you tell us?"

"I was terrified of what everyone would think," Hermione replied, shaking her head. "I knew it was my fault. When I finally woke up at St. Mungo's, I thought for sure Harry was dead because of me. I asked you if he had shown himself but you all looked at me like I was crazy and I knew that no one had seen him. I didn't know if he was alive or not! The healers wouldn't say anything about it, so my worst fears were flashing in front of me."

"Then why tell Ron?"

"Well of course he's different. He didn't take it very well, as was his right I suppose."

"Ahhh," Fred and George said in unison knowingly.

"So that was why you guys were at each other's necks every day this month," Fred laughed with a knowing smile.

"Well? You heard her!" Ron said with a harrumph. "She should have told me and brought me along. I realize I could have died had I actually gone, but it was still a terrible thing for her to do."

"It's not as if I would have been able to find you anyways!" Hermione said with an exasperated look on her face. "Ever since term started, you've done nothing but fly around the Quidditch pitch!"

"That's an excuse if I ever heard one. And I can't believe you didn't tell me about Ramses! Why didn't you tell me you knew? I sounded mental asking Harry what had happened!"

"Alright, I don't want to hear any more squabbling from the ex-lovebirds!" Fred said with a roll of his eyes. "Harry, I know you've got more in that fine-looking bag of yours and these strolls down memory lane are enough to give any respectable chap a headache. So come on then! No holding back!"

Fred's comment stunned Harry, but he realized both Ron and Hermione were turning bright red. He would have plenty of time to talk with them alone, so he decided to push it out of his mind.

"Well, Ramses had said to make sure I take what he possessed for my own use should anything happen to him, so I did. His jacket was full of odd things he always kept with him. He had a sneak-o-scope, various small books and journals, translation and searching talismans, and of course his collection of animal charms." He pulled out the small pouch he had torn off the ruined jacket and poured them out on a nearby table.

"Trinny charms!" Hermione said, fascinated.

"That's right!" Harry replied, impressed she knew what they were. "As I mentioned before, Ramses collected them from all over the world."

"I don't know much about them," Hermione said, curiously examining a small, but beautifully-cast dragonfly. "I do know they're really rare, but you must have two dozen or so here!"

"Wow!" Ron oohed as everyone moved closer. "How do they work Harry?"

"I don't know."

"Didn't you see how they worked?"

"I saw him use them, but there's a lot more to it."

* * *

August 6^th

Harry walked along at an even pace down a narrow, winding road that sidled through the hillside. It was barely dawn, so there were no people out, but Harry still had his hood up. The sun was just beginning to cast shimmers across the dewy grass that roamed free in the countryside he was exploring. Worthwhile was bundled tightly around his neck and walking next to Harry was a large brown and white dog. Its ears were perked and its tongue lolled out of its mouth as it walked evenly at Harry's side. Every now and then, Harry would look down at the shiny new golden necklace he had just received, admiring its color and mystique.

"I do hope we find a place to set up our little camp," Worthwhile said, shivering. "We've been searching since last night. I am cold-blooded you know."

"I offered to wrap you up in my winter coat in my bag," Harry replied.

"I will not be carried around like some kind of purse."

"I don't see the big deal. I mean look at us. A man, a snake, and a dog are walking along a deserted path at an ungodly time of day looking for a place to hide. I would trade warmth for a little humility if it were me in your shoes."

"I can't wear shoes."

"Good point," Harry chuckled. "Hey look!" Harry pointed to a small hill off to the west. Among the growth of trees in the distance was a ramshackle building that looked a lot like an unfinished construction site. "What do you think?"

The dog next to him spotted the building and, in a flash, the dog had turned into the burly and rough-looking Ramses Beauregard.

"Maybe," he said, putting the golden dog trinket in his pocket. "Let's go see."

"Being able to turn into an everyday animal is such a great advantage," Harry said with a hint of envy in his voice as they walked towards the construct. "Sirius could do it too, and he could just blend in. Whenever I didn't want to be seen, I had to use my invisibility cloak and watch that I didn't step on any toes."

"Mmm yes. I've avoided many Aurors with these little treasures."

"Do they have a name?"

"Trinny charms."

"How do they work exactly?"

"They need a special incantation."

"What is it?"

"You can't do it."

"Why not?"

"Because you're not a pure-blood."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"The magic behind these ancient items were placed so only pure-blooded wizards could use them. In fact, only pure-bloods can even read the magical text if the incantation were ever written down. I have it copied in my journal if you want proof."

"I thought bloodlines didn't matter," Harry said, shocked.

"They don't... unless the magic is cast to discriminate on the person's behalf. Trinny charms were created for the use of pure-bloods. Blood was just as much a divisive issue back then as it is now. Wizards and witches who didn't think half-bloods should have any proper standing in their world were the people who created these. Anyone who has an ounce of Muggle heritage in them is rendered useless when it comes to these.

"That is also why these are so rare. True pure-blooded wizards and witches are becoming harder and harder to find. Just look at me. Once I pass, my line will die because I leave no family behind."

"I had no idea. People fight over the stupidest things," Harry said, disgusted.

"I can vouch for that statement."

They finally arrived at the dilapidated structure. Grass and weeds grew all around the area and there were drums of oil and beams of steel everywhere. It looked to Harry as if a team of workers had just given up halfway and left it. The walls were missing on all sides and there were no proper floors or doors.

"It smells like pure gasoline," Worthwhile said, disgusted.

"It's perfect," Harry said, smiling.

* * *

December 23^rd

"See? I even warned you about that place!" Worthwhile hissed into Harry's ear. Harry rolled his eyes and disregarded his comments.

"What did he say?" Ron asked.

"Oh, uh... he said we should just sell the charms."

"Can I have them? I mean I don't want to take them if they remind you of Ramses..."

"No, go ahead, take them." Ron smiled and gathered up the small golden charms. "Besides, I have something else." Harry pulled another object out of his handy travel bag. It was a small black cube that didn't seem to be anything but a solid block of chiseled coal with a small, square indentation on one of its sides, but it had a lustrous shine to it that made it instantly appealing.

Everyone was impressed by it, but no one knew what it was... no one except Mad-Eye. Upon sight of it, he instantly became as interested in the reunion with Harry as everyone else.

"Would you look at that!" he said, both eyes concentrated on the small cube in Harry's hand.

"Do you know what this is?" Harry asked excitedly. "Because I don't have a clue."

"That, my lad, is a Bakuri box!"

Mad-Eye limped up to the group gathered around Harry and held out his hand. Harry obliged him and gave him the box.

"Yes... a Bakuri box, a very rare magical find. I've only ever laid eyes on one once in my long lifetime!"

"What's a Bakuri box?"

"A Bakuri is an ancient sorcery that can no longer be made - a lost magic. You can only use them once before they disintegrate, but what a use it is! It has the ability to tell the future - to give you one glimpse into your own destiny! Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's bad, but it's an invaluable tool if used wisely."

"To be able to see one's future is a dangerous thing indeed," Lupin said seriously. "There's no telling what it could do in the wrong hands."

"Aye, but that means Harry could see what happens between him and You-Know-Who when they finally duke it out!" Hagrid said, standing up and joining the group surrounding the box in Mad-Eye's outstretched hand. "And if he sees he fails (which won' happen, Harry), he can dodge him until a later meetin'!"

"That sounds so simple, but there's more to it than that," Moody said with a serious tone, his gnarled face scrunched into a grave expression. "To be able to see one's own future, to see what is going to happen, possibly whether you like it or not... it could drive a person mad."

Everyone traded glances as the reality of the box sunk in. What if you could see something you couldn't change, something you didn't want to happen, but was going to happen no matter what? Moody cautiously handed the magical item back to Harry.

"Be careful lad... be careful."

Harry carefully stowed the box back into his bag and pulled out one last souvenir. It was wrapped in a white cloth and tied tightly. Everyone focused their gaze on it as they knew they were coming to the prize of Harry's collection - the one he saved for last. He held it in front of him, looking austere. It cost me so much to acquire. What will I have to sacrifice to gain the others?

"Well, c'mon Harry!" Percy, said prodding him on. "What is it?"

He carefully unwrapped the material and revealed the true prize of the Order of the Phoenix: the de-Horcruxed cup of Helga Hufflepuff. It shone in radiant brilliance in contrast to the dim-lit room. Its slender handles and delicate frame reflected grace and beauty - something hard to take one's eyes off.

"Harry, is that it?" Ron asked with an excited smile.

"Helga Hufflepuff's cup," Harry nodded. "Leaving one more piece of Voldemort destroyed in our hands... and three left."

A cheer went all around and Fred and George started whooping. Questions fired from all sides once more before Lupin once again calmed them down.

"Harry, we all have one question on our minds," Percy said in the opportunity of the newfound silence. "Does it do anything?"

"Just one thing," Harry said with a knowing smile on his face. "Although you all may be disappointed. Once, every thirty days or so, this cup fills itself with a liquid that looks like water, but is rather special. After research with Ramses, we found that if a witch or wizard drinks what is produced from it, they become magically infused."

"Magically infused?" Hermione said, picking the glass up and looking inside at its emptiness. "What does that mean?"

"It means the person becomes more in tune with magic. Ramses told me that every person has stronger skills in different types of magic. One may be better at the Dark Arts while another just may not ever get it. It makes sense when you think about it. When I got my wand from Ollivander, he told me about my mother and father's wands. My mother's was a good wand for charm work because she would have a talent for the same and the wand chose her. My father's was great for transfiguration and that makes sense because he was an animagus. Well, when you drink from Helga Hufflepuff's cup, you become magically infused and you have the potential to do all kinds of magic well. However, it doesn't infuse you with talent or diligence in your studies - it just breaks any magical barriers."

"Aw, what good is that really?" Fred asked, crossing his arms. "It sure seems something as shiny and rare as that should be more useful."

"Honestly!" George confirmed. "What a waste of shelf space. The water that keeps coming would gather dust on mine and become nothing but muck water. After you use it once, what good is it then?"

"Well, it may be useful in the end," Harry said, shrugging. "You never know. I drank it the first time it filled and I think I do feel it's been easier to do transfiguration."

"Good luck to you on that mate," Fred said, stifling a yawn. "I don't know about anyone else, but all this fun has gotten to me - I'm off to bed."

"That's an excellent idea," Mrs. Weasley said very motherly-like. "All of you should be off to bed. It's past midnight and you all look about ready to doze off anyways."

Everyone began to break up amidst yawns and suddenly weary eyes. Hermione took Harry's hand and she and Ron began to push him towards his room so they could talk to him alone for the first time, but Harry stopped. He spotted Ginny walking through another door towards her wing and he turned to Ron and Hermione.

"Wait, you guys. There's something I have to do first. I'll meet you in Sirius' room in a bit."

Harry left his staff and bag to Ron and Hermione allowed Worthwhile to slither onto her arm. Then he took off towards Ginny, catching up with her mid-staircase.

"Ginny!"

"Harry... what is it?" Ginny suddenly looked apprehensive and unusually nervous.

"Ginny, I just need to apologize to you. I treated you horribly before I left and... I need to confess something... the thing of it is that I just don't -"

"No, Harry... don't apologize. There's something you need to know before you go any farther." She sighed heavily and pulled him towards the nearest empty room. It was a small guest room that was never used. Ginny lit nearby candles with her wand and turned to face him. She walked over to Harry, who was standing next to a small sofa.

"Okay, Ginny. Tell me." Harry sat down and gave her his full attention.

"You've been wondering why you don't have feelings for me anymore, right? You probably feel like a real louse. I know this, because it's not your fault."

Harry was stunned, but continued to listen.

"Harry... Harry, the truth is I used a love potion on you."

Harry heard the words and the reality of everything that had been happening between him and Ginny crashed down in a wave of realization. The smells, the sudden feelings that never had any real basis, the conversation Hermione and Ginny had after the Hogsmeade attack. It all came together and Harry knew it to be true.

Ginny sat down and continued. "Do you remember when I told you that I had never given up on you, but just tried to move on with my life as Hermione suggested?"

"At Dumbledore's funeral, yes."

"The truth was I was about to give up, but only after I had tried one last resort. The day we all visited Fred & George's shop last year, I got a friend of mine to buy some of their love potion, since they wouldn't let me buy any myself. I went home and the next week, I used it on you, dropping the potion in your tea with a drop of my perfume as was instructed."

"Wow... well... I guess that explains the flowery smells that kept wafting into my nose after the day we boarded the Hogwarts Express." Harry sat up and felt weird. What she had told him, he did not see coming.

"I almost messed up really badly too. Hermione caught me doing it and tried to talk me out of it. I wish she had, but I refused to listen to her. She threatened me, saying if she caught me doing it at school while she was a prefect, she would report me. I pulled her aside and told her my intentions - my selfish intentions at that. I can't imagine what I was thinking. I was with another boy at the time, I didn't know if it would work the way it was supposed to, but more importantly... I foolishly tried to make you love me after so many years of wishing the impossible could happen.

"It only became worse when you saved my life my first year. I tried to shut it out by seeing other boys and relaxing around you, but I still didn't get anything. It was like I wasn't even a real part of your life until last year. After my first year, you moved on to great things while I was always off to the side. I mean you had a crush on Cho Chang, one of the most popular girls in school! And you were best friends with Hermione, who wasn't really popular, but who was still famous and was easily the smartest student and most talented outside of you. I was convinced you were in love with both of them at different points of time. That left me with a slim chance in my mind."

She scooted closer to Harry. "But last summer you were just so friendly to me and I was at the peak of my arrogant pride in my own popularity - it got me thinking I had a chance and when I saw my brothers' love potions that were so easily available, I took some and... did what I did."

"Alright..." Harry said, running his hand through his hair, trying to digest what he was hearing. "I guess I'm just having trouble understanding why. Why didn't you ever just try to get my attention? You were right - my third and fourth years, as well as most of my fifth, you were a ghost - I never saw you."

"I was too afraid. My confidence only started to grow as people started looking up to me my fourth year and even adored me my fifth."

"So if you used the potion in the summer, why didn't you pursue me throughout the year? I mean you didn't show any signs of interest until spring! There were times when I would have done anything for you!"

"I didn't know it worked! Can't you see? Unlike Ron, you didn't babble like an incoherent idiot! I thought it didn't work! I mean, Hermione and I knew they generally worked, but I just assumed it wasn't a perfect potion, seeing as it came from my brothers. I asked Hermione about it once you and I did end up together for those few short weeks. She said your mind was too strong. I should have realized... I mean you resisted the Imperius Curse!"

"You said you told Hermione your intentions and she changed her mind about ratting you out. Why? That sounds like something Hermione would never compromise on. She was very mean-spirited when we had talked about putting things in other peoples' drinks."

"Why do you think she was angry? She fell for my story - she knew she did. I had pulled her aside when she caught me and told her what it could have meant. I had convinced her that if you and I ended up together and then she went out with Ron, we could all be a family and stay together forever. She listened to me and let me do what I did. I don't think she ever truly bought what I was selling her, even when it worked out as I planned. She just didn't think love potions should have been used in the way I used them - I should have listened to her. I was actually angry with her for a while because she was right. That day I snapped at her about something as stupid as Quidditch wasn't even me - I just resented that the potion seemingly hadn't worked after all that time and I took it out on her."

"For Hermione to have let you do that despite the rules being broken for no real noble reason must have meant Hermione really did want us to be a family... or at least see that I finally had one. It's not as if she's really connected to your family either. Oh Hermione... she just doesn't see..."

"Harry, I'm so sorry," Ginny began to sob. "Say you will forgive me. I don't want to lose your friendship." Tears ran down her cheeks and her hands were down as she trembled from head to toe.

"Of course I forgive you!" Harry took her hand and squeezed it tightly. "You are a good friend Ginny, despite all this and it's not hard to see why you did it." She smiled and hugged him. "Although I do hope you will tell Ron about all this so I don't look so bad."

She chuckled and nodded her head. "Deal."

"I don't know how or why things work Ginny, and it's possible I may not fall in love for a long time. It's just so confusing, so now I'm having trouble believing I'll ever truly fall in love now."

"Do you really?" Ginny said with a smirk, wiping her eyes. "I think you just have to know what is right in front of you. I tried and messed it up. My chance, if I had one, is gone... but you still have yours."

She got up and yawned as Harry pondered what Ginny was trying to tell him. "You'll be here for breakfast won't you?"

"I'm not going anywhere," Harry said, smiling brightly.

She walked out of the room, leaving Harry a lot to think about.

He eventually made his way back to his room after slowly walking through the many halls. He took everything in and drew on all the things that had happened in the past few short hours. He felt like he was home - he now only needed to reunite with his true family for it to be complete. He opened the door to his room and saw Ron and Hermione sitting on his four-poster. They both smiled at him as he walked over and plopped on the large comfortable mattress. He took off his coat, threw it across the room and lay back against his pillows. No one had to speak right off and Harry was glad to see. The three of them were finally together again - it was completion and Harry loved the feeling inside. He really was home.

"What made you come back Harry?" Ron finally asked.

"You two. Everyone. I had a million different reasons why I should have come running back, but I only ever remembered the one that made me stay, because it was the one I was most afraid of."

"I can't imagine what you must have gone through," Hermione said sympathetically.

"You both already know most of the story. After I had taken Hermione to St. Mungo's, I relegated myself back to exile, only to come up short. I didn't really get any closer to the last Horcrux, but I lost all that time with friends and family... that is... I mean I guess I consider you my family."

"We are - always have been actually," Ron said. "I've been your brother since our first year."

"I guess I just never wanted to say it out loud for fear of you guys not thinking the same thing. After another month had gone by and I had traveled the globe in search of anything related to what I knew about Voldemort and what was written of him at the Edifice and in Dumbledore's magic book, I finally gave up. It was Christmas and I needed to be here."

"Good timing," Ron chuckled. "I was just settling into the idea that I wouldn't have to get you a present this year." They laughed and the sounds that issued forth brought Harry back to all the good things he remembered.

"Alright then," Harry said, becoming a bit more somber. "If I really am a part of your family, then I am also responsible if there's a quarrel or a struggle among my family members..."

Ron and Hermione looked at each other for a moment, but quickly turned their heads away.

"What happened?" Harry asked.

"Harry, what you have to understand is that everything is okay now," Hermione said soberingly. "We've worked things out, so you won't have to worry about us."

"Oh I realized things were back to normal when you two were squabbling back in the living room," Harry smirked slightly. "But I still need to know."

"Well, it started with you I guess." Ron gave a half-enthusiastic smile and began.

* * *

November 30^th

"What do you mean we can't see her?" Ron shouted at the Healer who was speaking with the Weasley family about Hermione's condition. His name badge read: Hippocrates Smethwyck. It was the Healer who had watched after Mr. Weasley when he was bitten by Nagini. He was an elderly, grey-haired man; his nose was rather long and he had a stern, but appealing look about him.

"Ronald!" Mrs. Weasley scolded half-angrily, half-sympathetically.

"I realize that you are all distressed," Smethwyck said in a calming voice. "I can assure you that Miss Granger will be fine - she was quite lucky; however, she needs time and rest. She was burned very badly and the charms and potions she needs take time to work properly. You will be able to visit her tomorrow. Until then, you can wait here or we can send an owl when she is cleared for visitation."

"How did this happen?" Mr. Weasley put a hand on Ron's shoulder and tried to sound confident to the Healer.

"I'm afraid I can't say."

"Why not?" Ron shouted.

"Hermione was brought to us by a Good Samaritan who did not want anyone to know who he was. We have agreed to keep his secret. How she came to be so injured is something only they know, so maybe she can shed some light on the subject when she revives."

"She will... revive...won't she?" Ron asked desperately.

"Yes. It will take some time, but she will fully recover without a scratch or scar." Smethwyck was taken off to the side by a nurse and the Weasleys were left to wait in the lobby of the floor Hermione was convalescing in.

The night passed restlessly for Ron. He stayed overnight with Mr. Weasley and Ginny, getting very little sleep despite the pillows and sleeping bags produced by his dad. He tossed and turned, unable to think of anything but Hermione. How did this happen? She disappeared without a trace and turned up half-dead. Was she kidnapped? Is Voldemort after us? Am I next? He couldn't help but feel selfish for the way he was thinking. He wanted to be there for Hermione the way he should be. He resolved to look after her until she was completely recovered.

Ron was wide awake the next day when Healer Smethwyck finally came and told them Hermione was well enough to visit. While Ginny and Mr. Weasley were still stirring, Ron rushed down the hall to her room. As he approached, a cloaked man with his hood drawn walked out of the room and swiftly started down the hall in the opposite direction. Ron thought he looked familiar even though he didn't see his face. He couldn't place him, but he only pondered for a second why a stranger was in Hermione's room - his mind was focused on her. He opened the door and walked in.

Hermione was resting on the bed, pale as the sheets that covered her. She had bright red marks down one side of her face and neck and her hair was singed. Ron knew she would be completely healed in time, but what she had gone through mentally was probably a different story.

* * *

December 4th

Hermione opened her eyes painfully. She felt like she was bruised on every inch of her body. It was dark, but the moonlight streaming in from a nearby window made everything visible after a few moments' concentration. She slowly looked around and soon realized she was in a hospital room. Where am I? She looked around a bit more and spotted Ron sleeping in a chair, snoring and positioned in an odd way that made Hermione uncomfortable just looking at. Am I dreaming? This must be a dream. I remember falling. I was thrown, or pushed... I was looking for something, no, I found it... what was it? I was searching and... and..."

"HARRY!" she sat straight up and screamed as everything that had transpired came rushing back to her mind. In absolute pain, she fell back into her pillow, but she cared little. Ron, meanwhile, had been awoken by her scream and was at her side.

"Hermione, you're awake! It's going to be alright. I'm her--"

"Ron, it's Harry! There was an explosion! We have to go back! We have to find him! Oh no, this is all my fault!" She was crying and her tears were blinding her as she lay. She tried to wipe them off, but her arms were so weak.

"Okay, it's alright. Just slow down and breathe. You were hurt pretty bad. You've been out of it for about three days now." Ron used the blanket to wipe her eyes, but his mind was racing as he tried to stay calm. Could it be that while Hermione suffered, Harry was dying somewhere? "Now tell me, where is Harry?"

"He's at an abandoned lumber yard or building of some sort. I didn't really have time to ask him what it was exactly. Oh no, oh no! I don't even really know where it is. I was using a spell to track him so I lost my way. Ron, what will we do?"

"You were able to find Harry? Hermione how did all of this happen exactly?"

"I had been spending the last couple months trying to track him down. I finally did it and caught up with him where he was hiding, but we were attacked. I think I might be the reason! I thought for a moment I was being followed, but I was too preoccupied with finding Harry to be cautious. I'm so stupid! Oh Harry! What have I done?" Hermione wept bitterly as Ron held her close.

Ron was devastated inside. He was trying to be as comforting to Hermione as possible, but his heart was boiling. She went to find Harry... without me?

* * *

December 9^th

"Ron! Supper is on!" Mrs. Weasley shouted from the kitchen. "Oh dear. It looks like he's not coming down again. What could be going on?"

"Molly, it may be that he's still upset about what happened to Hermione," Mr. Weasley said from the empty table. "And now that she's back home, he can start to grieve. He's been a very strong young man this past week. He had almost lost a second best friend."

"Yes, he has grown up quite a bit because of this hasn't he? He will make a fine Head Boy yet. I just hope Harry, wherever he is, realizes what he's doing to him."

"Harry had his reasons I'm sure. They are both adult wizards now. They each have to start making their own paths; the rest of our sons have found their way... Ron will find his way as well."

Hermione was listening to their conversation outside the door. She didn't mean to eavesdrop, but she couldn't help it. The day before, she had finally come home, fully recovered from the explosion that she refused to tell anyone about - she just couldn't bear to tell anyone Harry might be dead because of her... but Ron knew. She looked up at the ceiling and breathed heavily. She Apparated in front of Ron's bedroom door and started her hand for the door, but hesitated. She instead knocked.

"I'm not hungry," Ron said quietly from behind the door.

"Ron? It's me," Hermione answered nervously.

In lieu of an answer, the door opened and Ron looked out at Hermione with an expressionless look on his face. He walked to a chair at the end of the room and sat down. Hermione walked in, shut the door, and leaned against it. Her mind was racing in all directions and she was hoping Ron couldn't tell how scared she was.

"Why?" he asked abruptly, his arms crossed.

Hermione looked at him with wide eyes before giving up and allowing her head to fall. He was wasting no time. "I know I'm not as brainy as you or as powerful as Harry was," he said coldly, "but I was under the impression that I was his friend too. I also thought you were supposed to be my girlfriend."

"Ron, I know that I've given you so much grief when you don't use your head sometimes, but please believe me when I say I've never thought your intelligence had anything to do with any of our relationships. I don't think you are stupid in the slightest."

"WELL THEN?" he shouted suddenly, getting up off his chair. "TELL ME HERMIONE! WHY? WHY WOULDN'T YOU EVEN TELL ME?"

"Ron, I'm sorry." She was devastated and truly was sorry, but she knew she didn't have a real excuse... not one that made sense to anyone but her in the end. "I just had to find him!"

"Fine! I would have been completely with you on that. So why didn't you tell me? He's my best friend! Why would you keep something like that from me?" Ron was shaking - his skin was completely red. He looked as if he didn't know whether to be mostly mad or mostly devastated. "I might never see him again! You got to! You might have even assured that I never get to! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?"

"I don't know!" she replied angrily, tears pouring from her eyes.

"Oh now you're mad at me! Big surprise! Whenever you have a problem with something, you snap at me and make sure I know about it! Now, I've dogged you into a corner and you can't get out of it so you're doing it again! You can't even tell the truth, because you know you selfishly left me out. What did you want? The glory of saying you found him when no one else could? Merlin forbid I be any part of that seeing how stupid I am!"

"Ron, it's not that..."

"Then what is it Hermione? You tell me why we don't get along! You tell me why you left without me! You tell me why we aren't working! Is it Quidditch?"

"No... it's not..."

"Is it how I look? How I dress? How I smell?"

"No, no no..."

"THEN WHAT IS IT?"

"I DON'T LOVE YOU!"

Ron glared at Hermione who had covered her face with her hands and cried more than she ever had in her life. She had voiced her fear, her anxiety... her heart after so long - after so much hiding and so much deception to both Ron and herself.

"I know," he said quietly, still glaring at her. She lifted her head in fear and sadness.

"What?"

"It's been months now, Hermione. I may be slow, but it would take a complete prat to not figure out you're not really interested in me. I just needed to hear it from you... to hear you used me for something other than love. What that was, I don't ever want to know." Ron walked calmly to the end of the room, opened the door, and was gone, leaving Hermione desolate in his abandon.

* * *

December 23^rd

Harry looked from Ron to Hermione. They were smiling slightly and didn't seem uncomfortable telling the story. They had to have made up in the previous two weeks, but from what they related to him, that would have taken a miracle in such a short time.

"Wow," he said stunned. He laid down in his bed looking up at the ceiling. "You both seem fine with each other though!"

"We are," Hermione said confidently. "We made amends, but I guess that's a story for a different time." She grinned at Ron, who smiled sincerely back. Ron turned and lay back on the bed next to Harry, looking up with him; Hermione followed suit and the three of them, suddenly exhausted, breathed deeply and collectively relaxed for the first time in months.

"Ron... Hermione..." Harry said between them, "I won't ever leave you again. You are my world. I hope you can remember that, because I need both of you more than you will ever know."

"Well, we could have told you that, you great big Niffler," Ron said sagely.

They all laughed. They were exuberant and exhausted at the same time and within minutes, their weary eyes took over and they had fallen asleep.

END Chapter 11