Rating:
R
House:
Astronomy Tower
Characters:
Hermione Granger Ron Weasley
Genres:
Angst Romance
Era:
Multiple Eras
Spoilers:
Chamber of Secrets Order of the Phoenix
Stats:
Published: 12/11/2003
Updated: 02/15/2004
Words: 9,470
Chapters: 4
Hits: 1,922

Another Ruddy Ball

Severus

Story Summary:
It's sixth year for the trio and the war is in full swing. The school is hosting a special ball to get the students minds off of the terrors of war. Find out what happens during the last week before the ball; will Ron ask Hermione? What nasty surprise does Draco Malfoy have in store for the trio?````Written in Ron's POV.

Chapter 02

Chapter Summary:
It's sixth year for the trio and the war is in full swing.
Posted:
12/23/2003
Hits:
354
Author's Note:
I want to thank all the people who reviewed. Your comments are greatly appreciated. Also, I apologize for the delay in updating, lots of things going on right now. Hope you enjoy this chapter!


Chapter 2 : Encounters

~*~*~*~

Ron woke up groggily the next day, still in his clothes. He got out of bed and immediately saw his dirty robes from the night before hanging by his bed. The entire memory rushed back to him and he had to fight the urge to be sick again.

"Come on, Weasley, pull yourself together!" he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "It's only... only Hermione.."

He retreated to the showers to get ready for the Hogsmeade trip that day. Changing into clean clothes and robes, he shuffled down to breakfast in the Great Hall, sliding into the seat beside Hermione. She watched him with a concerned expression and had just opened her mouth to speak when he shook his head.

"I don't want to talk about it, Hermione," he said quietly to her, refusing to meet her eyes.

"Fine," she sniffed, "but I was just going to ask if you were feeling better. Because if you aren't, you should tell McGonagall, I'm sure she would take you off the roster."

Ron stared at her, thinking wildly that he should do it. He would've done it, too, if that annoying voice in the back of his head hadn't spoken up right then. If you do that, Weasley, you'll be sinking to Malfoy's level. Shooting a glance over to the Slytherin table, Ron thought he saw Malfoy glaring at Harry. He shook his head and sat up straight.

"I'm fine, Hermione. I'm not going to-" he hesitated, then took a deep breath and said quietly, "I'm not going to let you do security duty by yourself."

After a long silence, he glanced up to see Hermione's brilliant smile directed at him. Surprised, but pleased, Ron gave her the lopsided grin that he was so famous for. He shrugged and dug into his food. Maybe this won't be so bad after all, he thought. Grinning slightly, he looked up to see Hermione still watching him.

"I really am fine, Hermione, you don't need-"

"Ron, I'm sorry for all those things I said to you last night," she said quietly. Reaching out a slender hand to rest on his, she continued, "I wish you wouldn't get so mad at me for things I can't control. You know what I'm like.."

"Yeah.." Ron said, not taking his eyes off her. As she turned that smile on him again, he realized something about this girl whom he called his best friend. Hermione, you are beautiful.. He smiled at her, hoping he hadn't said that thought out loud.

Tap, tap, tap. "May I have your attention, students?" McGonagall's voice rang out in the hall once again and everyone settled down to listen to her. "I would ask the prefects to please leave their tables and proceed to the next room. The rest of you, please stay seated until you are dismissed."

Harry looked at Ron, Hermione and Ginny as they got up, and gave them a small wave. Ron nodded back, noticed how Harry's gaze had rested on Ginny for a split second longer than necessary, and grinned to himself. He made his way to the little room off the Great Hall, walking between Hermione and Ginny.

"So, Ginny, who are you paired with?"

"Ernie MacMillan."

"Oh," Ron said lamely. He didn't notice the look that passed between Hermione and Ginny, just walked into the room where all the other prefects were gathered. Draco Malfoy glanced over at the door when they walked in, gave them the most malevolent look they'd yet seen, and turned away.

"Oh, look, the ferret's unhappy to see us," Hermione said quietly to Ron, who promptly laughed.

"Yeah, he'd better keep his nose clean or I'll bloody clock him," Ron muttered, glaring at Malfoy's back. Another look passed between Ginny and Hermione, unnoticed by Ron, as they sat down near the back.

"Ron, don't do anything to him, that would give him just the excuse he wants to hurt you," Hermione whispered urgently to him. "You know he's still angry about Harry's part in locking his dad up, you know he'll go after you if he gets the chance!"

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered. "I bloody well know all of that Hermione, I'm not stupid you know."

"I know," she said after a long silence.

"You know, you two sound just like Mum and Dad," Ginny remarked matter-of-factly. She got twin stares of disbelief and laughed. "Oh come on, you two bicker all the time, and we all know that you care about each other. Otherwise, would you still be friends?"

Ron and Hermione shared a look. He knew that he cared about her, how could he not? She was his best friend. She'd been there for everything important that'd happened in his life. She was always there to help him out, or make him feel better, or even just argue with him when he needed a good row. She gave him her beautiful, brilliant smile again and he felt something jolt in his stomach. Oh gods.. He gave her a quick smile and faced the front, waiting for the last prefect to take a seat while butterflies danced in his stomach.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat for attention and began to speak. "Now, prefects, I am sure you are all aware that this is a new measure. Unfortunately, the staff deems it necessary. I must ask you all to keep a close eye out for anything.. suspicious. If you happen to see anything out of the ordinary, tell one of the teachers on patrol duty immediately. I am quite sure that the staff can trust all of you to carry through on your responsibility." She seemed to glance at Malfoy for a split second, but the impression was fleeting. She talked for a bit longer, but Ron effectively tuned out the rest of her words.

"You may all leave for Hogsmeade now. Each pair will be accompanied by a teacher. Dismissed."

Ron heaved a sigh of relief and stood up, stretching his long legs out. He shook his head and turned to Hermione and Ginny.

"Well ladies, I guess we're off." He grinned as they rolled their eyes at him. "What?"

"Nothing, Weasel. They just think you are the biggest, most simple-minded idiot to be accepted to Hogwarts," came a cold, drawling voice behind him. Ron vaguely saw the girls' faces harden before he turned to face Draco, face going red with rage. Draco smiled coldly before continuing. "I must say, I agree. You are a rather poor excuse for a wizard. You even need the mudblood," he nodded to Hermione, who glared back at him, "to do your homework for you!"

Draco let out the most horrible laugh and obviously checked Ginny out before walking away, seemingly unaware of Ron's advance towards him. Hermione and Ginny grabbed his arms to stop him from pounding Malfoy to a pulp.

"Ron, don't, it's not worth it," Hermione said worriedly, struggling to hold him back.

"Yeah, Ron, he's just trying to get you in trouble," Ginny told him.

"I don't care, let me at the bastard!" Ron growled, struggling to pull away.

"Ron, stop it!" Hermione hissed.

Ron stopped struggling and looked at Hermione in disbelief. "How can you not be angry at what he calls you?"

"Because I know that I'm better then that little ferret," she retorted.

"Well, I'm going to leave you two alone. Have to go join Ernie anyway," Ginny said brightly, walking over to join Ernie and Professor Flitwick.

Ron watched her go, then turned back to Hermione and said quietly, "Whatever, I'll show that slimy bastard who the better wizard is. One day, I swear I will."

"And I'll be right there with you, Ron." She beamed up at him, catching him off guard, then walked over to join Professor Snape, who was waiting for them with a sour look on his face.

"You?!" Ron said in disbelief.

"Yes, Weasley, me," Snape said in that silky voice, sneering at Ron. "Now if you don't mind, address me with the proper respect and let's get this over with."

"Yes, sir," Ron muttered sullenly.

They set off towards Hogsmeade, Snape gliding along as if he were the only one of importance, Hermione glancing up at him, trying to find something to say, and Ron trailing along behind, looking absolutely miserable. Needless to say, the entire trip was silent.

When they got to the post office, Hermione made a beeline for the door.. that is, until Snape reached out and grabbed her by the arm. She glared up angrily at Snape, trying to extricate herself from his grasp, but Snape only tightened his grip. Ron stifled a laugh at this scene.

"I'm sorry, Professor Snape, but nobody said the prefects aren't allowed to enjoy themselves while they are in Hogsmeade," Hermione said stiffly.

"Oh, I know very well what is allowed and what is not, Miss Granger," Snape said smoothly, lip slightly curled in a sneer, "but I am the teacher patrolling with you and I will make the rules for you two. Am I understood?"

Hermione huffed and fumed, but finally gave in and nodded, head down.

"And you, Weasley?" Snape turned to Ron, waiting for acknowledgement. Ron ignored him. "Mr. Weasley, I can have you put in detention when we get back, I suggest you follow my rules while you are here, " Snape said dangerously.

"Ron, just do it," Hermione said nervously, glancing up at Snape. She turned pleading eyes on Ron and he sighed.

"Fine," he said shortly to Snape, who smiled.

"Ah, I see," he said quietly, glancing from Ron to Hermione. The two cringed and he went on, "Potter's little sidekicks are going through.. shall we say... a lovers' quarrel?"

"WHAT!" came twin cries of disbelief.

Snape laughed cruelly. "How very... touching. I think I'll stay here to make sure you two don't shirk your responsibilities."

Ron and Hermione exchanged a disheartened look and sighed, going on with the patrol. About twenty minutes later, they were still patrolling, faces sullen and arms crossed, when Harry came rushing up to them. He stopped short when he saw Snape trailing behind them a ways, then gave the two a questioning glance. They shook their heads and he dropped in beside them.

"So, how did you two end up being paired with him?" Harry asked quietly. They shrugged and he continued, "I don't think he's supposed to monitor you guys every second, Professor Flitwick seemed to trust Ginny and Ernie just fine."

Ron and Hermione exchanged a look, then Ron said quietly, "If you could find McGonagall for us and tell her what Snape is doing, I know I would really appreciate it, mate."

Harry grinned weakly and said, "Sure thing. See you guys later."

"Bye, Harry," the two said loudly, in unison. They looked at each other and broke out in peals of laughter.

"I think you two need to be getting on with your duties, not laughing it up like silly little children," Snape's voice sounded right behind them, and they immediately stopped laughing.

"Yes, sir," Ron mumbled, hand clenching at his side. Gods, I hope Snape doesn't see this.. Hermione just nodded, and they resumed their patrol, once again looking miserable.

A few minutes later, Ron heard footsteps coming towards them and looked up to see Professor McGonagall striding purposefully towards them.

"Severus, a word with you, please?" she called. Snape swept past Ron and Hermione, giving the two a cold glare.

"What may I do for you, Minerva?" he said loudly. She shook her head at him and pulled him away from Ron and Hermione, then began talking to him in a hushed voice. Snape's face seemed to grow more and more angry as he listened, and he finally nodded and turned back to the two students.

"It seems that you two have earned a short break," he said coldly, obviously unthrilled. "You have half an hour to spend at your leisure, then I expect you back here promptly to take up your patrol again, do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, professor Snape!" they sang out happily. Ron grinned at Hermione, who grinned back and then scurried into the post office. Ron sighed and walked over to McGonagall.

"Thanks, Professor," he said nervously. "Um, you wouldn't, by any chance, happen to know where Harry is?"

"Why yes, Mr. Weasley," she said. She offered him a quick smile, and said, "I do believe he's waiting for you and Miss Granger to meet him at the Three Broomsticks. Enjoy your break."

Ron nodded and sat down on the front steps of the post office, muttering, "Not bloody likely if Hermione's going to mention Viktor bloody Krum again."

"Ron, he's not that bad!" Hermione's voice rang out behind him. Ron jumped, startled, and spun around to face her.

"Geez, could you warn me next time?" he complained. "You nearly gave me a bloody heart attack!"

Hermione laughed softly and walked up to him. "Did you find out where Harry is?"

"Waiting for us in the Three Broomsticks," he grumbled.

"Well then, let's not keep him waiting," she said, smiling. She started off and Ron just stood there, watching her. She turned around and sighed. "Come on, Ron!" She grabbed his hand, and as she did so, Ron felt a shock go through his body, originating from where her fingers met his. Hermione dragged him to the pub as he pondered over this new development.

When they walked in, Harry was sitting with Ginny and Ernie, laughing about something. Harry looked up at them, then pointed them out to the other two, who promptly looked up and waved. Ron and Hermione walked over to the table, Hermione still gripping his hand tightly.

Harry grinned and cleared his throat. "So, uh, you two aren't fighting anymore, I see."

Hermione looked down and immediately let go, both going red in the face.

"Shut up, Harry," Ron muttered as he sat down beside him. Harry just laughed. "Well, I see you're feeling better. Any reason?"

"Oh, no, I've just got my da-" Ginny jabbed her elbow into Harry's side and he coughed, then continued, "my day going very well so far. So.. Either of you have dates for the ball yet?"

"No," Ron and Hermione said in unison. They looked at each other, and Ron shook his head. He didn't notice the look that passed between Harry, Ginny and Ernie.

"How about you, Harry?" Ron said pointedly. Harry looked at Ginny, who shook her head slightly. Ron grinned; he knew what was going on.

"Oh, I've got some options I'm l-looking at," Harry said, eyes darting back to Ron. He shrugged and grinned. "Although, today would be the perfect opportunity to get my costume."

Ron groaned. "Oh right, they made it into a costume ball. Goody for me. You know what, I don't think I'm going."

Hermione jabbed him in the ribs, much like Ginny had just done with Harry, and said in a panic, "But Ron, you have to go!"

He glared at her, rubbing his side, and retorted, "Since when do you think you can tell me what I can and can't do, Hermione? If I don't want to go, I'm not going." He felt a twinge of guilt at the disappointment that flitted across her face and said in a softer tone, "Besides, no one's going to want to go with me anyway. I might as well not bother."

Ron got up to get a butterbeer, thinking about who he would even ask if he went. Well, there's no-one I really want to go with. I suppose... I suppose there's always Hermione. I mean, I'm sure we'd have fun, and we could go as friends. I don't think Harry would mind a bit, and she looked amazing at the last one, so maybe she'll do that again... But.. He mused things over as he sat down again, darting a glance at Hermione. She gave him her brilliant smile again and he felt another jolt in his stomach. If I did go with her, I wouldn't want her to get all fancied up like she did in fourth year. Sure she was beautiful, but I like her better the way she is now. I don't want her to change too much... Wait a minute.. Butterflies, that smile, all these feelings.. Oh gods... I can't fancy her! It's not possi-

Ron was jolted out of his thoughts by another elbow to the ribs, and he glared at Harry. Everyone laughed and Harry grinned apologetically at Ron.

"Geez, Harry, a bloke could get seriously hurt if you do that too much," Ron said, rubbing his side.

"Yeah, well, you looked like you were daydreaming. We tried talking to you, you know!" The others started laughing again, and Ron once again felt his face go all hot.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up everyone," he mumbled, glancing at Hermione. She had her hand over her mouth, and her cheeks were flushed from laughing. Ron found himself staring at her, entranced by how beautiful she was. His throat constricted when she stopped laughing to look him in the eye, her face becoming more flushed as she smiled at him. He smiled back shakily and broke the stare, turning away.

"I.. I have to go.." he mumbled as he got up abruptly, face flaming. He didn't notice everyone staring after him as he stumbled out the door. He sat down heavily on one of the many benches, burying his face in his hands as he tried to catch his breath. Real smooth, Weasley, now everyone's gonna know there's something going on, he berated himself silently.

"Oh, poor Weasel had to leave," came Draco's cold voice. Ron groaned as Draco continued, "What's the matter, too hot in there? Or are you finally realizing what an idiot you are for wanting the mudblood bitch?"

Ron shot up, reaching out blindly to grab hold of Draco's collar. He picked him up and turned, slamming him against the wall, and pulled a fist back to pound him when he felt someone pull on his arm.

"Ron, don't!"

"Back off, Hermione, the bastard went too far this time!" he growled, pulling his arm out of her grasp.

"You know it's true, Weasel!" Draco hissed at him, making no move to get free. "Why don't you just do it, or aren't you man enough?"

"Ron, please! He's just trying to get you in trouble!" Hermione cried, sounding panicked. "Please, don't it's not worth it!"

Ron stood there, staring at Malfoy with loathing in his eyes, then reluctantly, slowly, brought his arm down. He shook his head and let Malfoy go, disgusted with himself. Malfoy just laughed softly and walked away, glancing back at the two with a smirk.

Ron glared back until he was out of sight, then slumped dejectedly back onto the bench, sighing loudly. He felt a hand on his shoulder, but didn't look up.

"Ron..." Hermione said softly, sitting down beside him. Hermione, don't say anything... he thought frantically, closing his eyes tightly. To his relief, she didn't say anything. She did, however, surprise him by hugging him tightly. He looked at her in shock and she smiled and hugged him tighter.

"Hermione, what..."

"Ron, don't say anything, okay?" she said quietly, eyes suddenly misty.

"But Hermione.." Ron started as she shook her head. She let go of him and started to walk back into the pub. Ron watched her go, then made a split second decision.

"Hermione, wait!" She stopped at the door and he ran up to stand in front of her. She looked up at him as he took a deep breath, face flushing with embarrassment, and stuttered, "D-d'you want to.. g-go to the ball with me?"