The Redhead Standing Next To Harry Potter

The Redhead Standing Next To Harry Potter

[21st April 2003]

Chapter One

Hi. It's me, Ronald Weasley. Not sure who I am? Well, let me tell you that's no big surprise, not too many people are sure who I am. I'm just Harry Potter's best friend. Oh, now you know who I am? Typical. I've always been known as "The Redhead Standing Next To Harry Potter". I'm his faithful sidekick like in those Muggle comics I read. I hate it sometimes, but I guess I'm used to it now. Anyway, I'm not here to talk about me. I'm here to tell you the real story behind Harry and Hermione's romance. Oh yes, nobody knows what really happened to them but me, Harry and Hermione. Most people think that they just decided to get together and that was the end of it, but it wasn't. The whole fiasco nearly cost us our friendship. It all began in 5th year......

*******

"Ron, I want you to be my boyfriend"

PFTTTT!!!

Spitting out the pumpkin juice I was drinking, I turn around to face the speaker.

"What??"

"You heard me Ron"

My mind races. What is she playing at? I KNOW that she doesn't like me. I mean we kissed once, but that was gross. I felt like I was kissing Ginny.

"But....Hermione! I thought you like Harry!"

She falls into the chair next to me heavily and sighs. She looks tired.

"I do! Heaven knows I do!"

"So why -"

"I just want you to pretend. I know it sounds crazy, but I can't get him to see me as a girl. I mean, sometimes I'm not even sure he realises I'm a girl! It's so frustrating!"

"Hermione, I've told you before! Just. Tell. Him!"

Honestly! My two best friends are in love with each other and I'm the only one who knows! Harry's been in love with Hermione since....hmm....half way through 3nd year. And Hermione..... well Hermione's been in love with Harry since 1st year, but then again, which girl hasn't? They both swore me to secrecy, so I can't say anything. I mean, its not as if I try to get them together. I'm always hinting to them that I think the other one likes them, but they won't believe me. Being me is so difficult.

"No!" she says, "Ron, please?"

"Hermione, what good will it do if Harry thinks we're dating?"

"Well, if he thinks we're dating, then maybe he'll be jealous and if he really likes me like you say he does, then he might tell me how he feels?" As she finishes, her voice trails off a bit and I know she's not too sure about it.

"I think you've been reading too many romance novels 'Mione"

"Ron, please. I have to try. I know its a long shot..."

She looks at me with those big brown eyes of hers, imploring me. Damn it! She always does that! How can I say no to that?

"Okay then...." I say reluctantly.

"Yes! Thank you so much Ron!" She squeals as she jumps up and hugs me tightly. "I know you won't regret this!"

Somehow her reassurances don't soothe my doubts.