Jealous Much?

Jealous Much?

Hermione was waiting anxiously in the corner of the common room. To most people she appeared calm, and completely normal, but to Ginny, she was a total wreck. It was the little things that made it obvious. She kept fidgeting with her hair, glancing at her watch and then the portrait hole. Ginny tried to distract her, but it was no use. Ron was on a date with Padma Patil and Hermione was sitting in the common room awaiting their return.

Why isn't he back yet? Hermione thought. Honestly, it was just a picnic by the lake, what could take so long? Oh Merlin, what if their snogging on that blanket? That blanket that he borrowed from me! How dare he? Why, it's bad enough that he's snogging Padma, but does he really need to do it on my blanket?

Hold on, maybe they're not snogging. Maybe Padma fell into the lake and was being pulled under by the Giant Squid. A-a-and then Ron had to jump in and save her, because he's so good like that. And maybe Snape really did like that vulture hat from third year.

Seriously, they've been gone for two hours. How long does it take to eat some chicken and drink some pumpkin juice? Even if he remembered dessert, it shouldn't be two hours. Damn, Ginny's talking to me about something...

"Hermione, are you certain that you're all right with Ron going out with Padma?" The smaller, red head looked concerned for her.

"Err, of course, I'm alright with it. Why wouldn't I be?" Hermione forced a laugh that sounded fake and hollow to even her own ears.

"Then why are your fists clenched so tightly? I swear you look like you're going to punch someone." Hermione looked down at her hands and saw they were, indeed, clenched unnecessarily in her lap. She held them so tightly that her knuckles were white. She forced herself to loosen them and raised one hand to her head and resumed fidgeting with her hair.

"Stop that," Ginny said, reaching over and grabbing both of her hands. "Hermione, look at me." The older witch forced herself to meet Ginny's face. "If you like my brother, why haven't you told him? Why did you lend him that blanket for the picnic? Why aren't you with him on that date, instead of Padma?"

"Umm, err, b-b-but I don't like your brother," she answered in a very meek voice.

"Bollocks! That's total bollocks and you know it. Stop lying to me and to yourself. It's plain as day that you like my brother. So why haven't you said something about it?" Thankfully, the common room was empty except for the two girls. All the other students were out on the grounds, enjoying the warm weather. Hermione was "helping" Ginny study. Actually, she was just avoiding Ron on his date.

"Alright, I like him, a lot," Hermione said as she stood up and started to pace around the common room. "But its not like he's noticed, has he? And now he's off somewhere snogging that slag Padma. This is the witch that was awful to him at the Yule Ball two years ago. I saw her snogging some boy in the corridors afterwards. What does he see in her?"

"I don't know Hermione, but I know that if you don't do something about it, you're never going to have him," Ginny said from her seat on the couch.

"Oh like you're confessing your love for Harry." The instant it came out of her mouth, Hermione regretted that comment. It was mean and she knew it. Ginny visibly flinched at the harsh tone and the comment.

"You're right, but I don't have a chance with Harry. You, on the other hand, have a very good chance with my brother, if only you would get off your arse and take it!" Hermione knew that the younger girl was right, but had no clue how to go about getting Ron to notice her.

Before she could decide, the portrait hole swung open and Harry climbed through into the common room. He held his Firebolt over his left shoulder. Hermione couldn't help but notice how tired he looked. He had heavy bags under his eyes and carried himself with an air that made it seem like he was staying awake through grim determination alone. She knew his dreams about Voldemort were getting increasingly worse, but he wouldn't let them do anything about it.

Harry saw the two girls alone in the room and asked, "Why are you two in here and not outside? It's prolly one of the last nice days before autumn comes." Hermione saw that Harry didn't even look at Ginny. It had been this way since he'd arrived at the Burrow in the middle of June. He only ever acknowledged Ginny as part of a group. He never even said her name any more either.

"I'm helping Ginny with her OWLs preparation. We decided to work in here because my, err, allergies are pretty bad right now." The part about her allergies was a complete lie. Harry knew it, and so did Ginny, but it was easier to fib than to tell the truth.

"How was your ride?" Hermione was trying to force Harry to stay around, knowing that Ginny wouldn't bring up Ron and her feelings for him in front of the other boy.

"It was alright, I guess. I'm going to try to catch a nap before supper. I'll catch you up later." With that Harry turned and jogged up the stairs to the boys' dormitories.

When Hermione looked at Ginny she could see the hurt on the other girl's face. It was the same look she always saw when Harry was around. For a while Harry had treated her like an equal, but something happened while he was at the Dursleys for those two short weeks after last term ended. Now he was back to treating her like he'd never noticed her.

"Ginny-" Hermione began, but the redhead held up her hand.

"It's alright. I'm used to it by now. Two months of him ignoring me in my own home was enough to make me realize that he hates me. Don't worry about me. I'll be alright, but we really should concentrate on you and Ron." Hermione was still worried about her friend, but she also knew that Ginny was like a rabid dog when she got an idea in her head.

Before the girls could discuss the situation any further, the portrait hole swung open once again and a gaggle of fourth year girls climbed through. They were giggling loudly about something. The only words that made sense were "Gryffindor" "Prefect" and "Snogging." Hermione could feel the colour drain from her face as her mind jumped to the only logical conclusion from the younger witches. Ron had been snogging Padma by the lake and the fourth years had seen them. Without a word to Ginny she turned and practically ran up the stairs to her dormitory. When she reached the Sixth years' dorm she flung herself on the four-poster bed and pulled the hangings shut.

Merlin, I really hope Padma doesn't run to her sister about this one. I might just have to cut my ears off before I listen to Parvarti and Lavender talk about it. Stop being so melodramatic. This is completely unlike you. Ron can snog whomever he wants to, in front of whomever he wants.

Stupid prat! Doesn't he see what she's doing? She never liked him before that dumb Quidditch match last term. She was madder than Cho when Gryffindor won. She's probably trying to distract him from the upcoming match. I hope she isn't one of the new Chasers for Ravenclaw. Ginny will know. I have to remember to ask her about that. Maybe she's trying to find out Ron's weaknesses. Great Godric this is awful!

Hermione didn't go down for supper that evening. Ginny brought her some food wrapped in a napkin, but Hermione wasn't hungry then either. The younger girl was forced to lie to her brother and Harry about where Hermione was. She told them that Hermione wasn't feeling well and was in her room. Ron suggested taking her to the hospital wing, but Ginny insisted that she was fine.

Very late that night, Hermione's appetite returned. Unfortunately for her, the food Ginny brought in the napkin wasn't nearly enough to feed her so Hermione decided to sneak down to the kitchens for some food. She hated making the house elves do any extra work, but she knew that Dobby would love to help her out. After all, he'd fed Ron and Harry loads of times.

Very quietly, Hermione pulled her bed hangings back and slid out of bed. She could hear Lavender snoring softly in the far bed. If only Seamus heard his girlfriend's snores. Her dressing gown had been laid out at the foot of the bed. Slowly, she slipped her arms through the sleeves and pulled it shut. She didn't tighten it very securely even though it was Saturday night, she didn't think anyone would be up at such a late hour. Very slowly, she crept down the stairs from the dormitories. She was afraid of waking another one of the Gryffindor witches and having to explain why she spent the evening in her bed.

Four steps from the bottom she heard voices. She couldn't see their owners but was certain that they belonged to Harry and Ron. The fire had dwindled down and was barely glowing in the hearth. The wall torches had long since gone out, casting most of the room in shadow. When Hermione reached the last step she could see that Ron and Harry were both sitting close to the fire crossed legged. A chessboard sat between them on the rug. The pieces, however, had been forgotten, as the boys appeared deep in conversation.

"What'd you two talk about for so long?" Harry asked.

Sweet Merlin, they're talking about his stupid date with Parvarti. Great, now if I want to eat something tonight I have to listen to it. Maybe I should go back upstairs. A soft, low grumble came from her stomach. Godric, now I'm beginning to sound like Ron! I guess I just have to wait for them to go to bed.

She crept away from the staircase, careful to remain hidden in the shadows. She held her breath when Ron answered Harry's question.

"Just stuff, I guess." Why didn't Ron tell Harry what they talked about? Was it that bad? Or was it that personal? Sweet Circe I hope she didn't tell him something awful, like she loves him or that she thinks they should be shagging.

"What stuff?" Harry was being very persistent with his mate. Silently, Hermione blessed him for his nosiness.

"It's stupid really; nothing really important." Ron continued to avoid answering Harry. He looked really uncomfortable with the line of questions, but did nothing to stop Harry.

"Well, did you snog her?" Hermione could feel her heart stop beating in her chest. True she'd kissed Viktor, but that hadn't meant anything. He'd just sprung it on her and surprised her. Oh it was awful, she remembered. His tongue had alternated between limp and forceful in her mouth and all that saliva. She shuddered silently at the memory. But that didn't mean that she thought that Ron should go about snogging all the girls in their year.

"Sort of." Ron looked embarrassed by his answer.

"What'da mean 'sort of? How can you 'sort of" snog someone?" Harry was laughing at Ron, completely unaware of how uncomfortable his mate was.

"I mean," Ron began through gritted teeth, obviously angry at the way Harry was teasing him, "I didn't snog her. She just jumped on me and started snogging me. It was awful. She was all wet and on top of me and she's just a really bad kisser, mate. I mean, she had to be worse than Cho. I thought I was gonna suffocate underneath her."

Relief poured out of Hermione Ron's confession. He didn't like kissing her! He said she was bad at it. Maybe there's hope after all. But Ron was still talking.

"And then when she finally stopped, she asked about our Quidditch squad. I think she thought I would tell her our plays if she snogged me. I think she was spying for Ravenclaw!" Ron was obviously angry, as was Harry, with this.

"I can't believe that! Why in the hell would she do that?" Harry exclaimed.

"I don't know, but don't worry I didn't tell her anything. Do you think we should go to McGonagall about it? Maybe she could get Flitwick involved?" Ron asked.

"Now you sound like Hermione. I swear you two have been spending far too much time together with your Prefect duties." Harry teased.

"Yeah, Hermione. Hey, do you reckon she's angry with me? I mean for going out with Padma?" Ron asked.

Hermione couldn't believe her ears. She was sitting there listening to Ron's words, but unable to see his face. She could tell he was angry about the Quidditch thing, so was she, but she couldn't tell what he felt about her reaction.

"I don't know how she felt. She looked fine this afternoon, but then again, you can ask her yourself. She's been sitting against the wall, listening for the past ten minutes." Harry nodded his head in her direction as his face broke out into a huge grin.

Very slowly, Ron stood up and twisted around to see Hermione. She sat in the same spot, glued to the floor. Her face had turned a very bright shade of crimson. Ron walked over to where she was hiding and stood over her. He had continued to grow over the summer and now towered over her at well over 6 feet tall. Sitting on the floor at his feet, he somewhat resembled Hagrid.

"Good night, Harry," Ron said, looking right in her eyes.

"'Night Ron, Hermione," Harry called over to them. She could hear the laughter in his voice as he made his way over to the staircase leading to the boy's dormitories. Her face felt so hot that for a brief moment she thought that it had actually lit itself on fire. Ron was standing over her, just watching her. He still hadn't said anything to her.

Merlin what is he thinking? Is he angry? Why won't he say anything? What's he looking at anyway? It's not like my dressing gown has fallen open or anything. She looked down. Oh bugger, never mind, it has. Well great, just bloody fucking great, my breasts are practically hanging out of this nightgown. I told my mother that it was too small, but she insisted that I didn't need another new one. Damn it, Ron say something! For Merlin's sake, they're just breasts!

Very slowly Ron slid down to a crouch until his face was level with Hermione's. He continued to watch her, but she couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze. She'd eavesdropped on his private conversations and then practically flashed him in the middle of the common room, but he reached his hand out and lifted her face up so that her gaze met his.

"Hermione, were you jealous that I went out with Padma?" his voice was barely above a whisper. She could barely hear him over the pounding of her heart.

"Err, umm, err, n-no. Its not really my business who you date or snog or shag..." Shut up Hermione! Do you realize what you just said and implied? Merlin, you should turn in your OWL results because that was the dumbest thing that ever came out of your mouth.

"Shag?" Ron asked. He didn't sound angry, more like amused at her statement. His mouth was curved into a little smile, like he had a secret that she didn't know about.

"Yes, shag," she answered with false bravado. Congratulations! You managed to keep the quiver out of your voice just then.

"Hermione, do you really think that I would shag a girl by the lake with everyone and their bloody sister running around?"

She couldn't believe that he wasn't yelling at her. This wasn't something she felt entirely comfortable with. This was far more intimate than any of their other conversations. They'd never talked about sex. She assumed that he had with Harry, but decided it would be awkward to talk about it with a girl.

"No, but you could shag her eventually. I mean, I don't know where your relationship is going with Padma." You really wouldn't believe that I'm the cleverest witch in the year, because I sound pretty bloody stupid right now.

Instead of answering her, Ron started to laugh. It was a very low, deep chuckle that seemed to echo off the walls of the common room without sounding very loud. He shook his head at her. She could feel her face flame again as she realized that Ron was laughing at her. He probably shagged her in the Room of Requirement or something. Stupid, stupid boy!

"Like I said, though, it's none of my business." Having had enough of his laughter, she started to stand up, sliding against the wall. Unfortunately, her nightgown was not only a little too small on top, but it was also a little too short on the bottom. Ron was getting a very close up look at her upper thighs. "Goodnight Ronald." I have to get away from him. She turned away from him so she could head up the staircase.

"But what if I said I wanted it to be your business?" It was so soft that she'd swear she'd imagined it.

"Huh?" Brilliant, just bloody brilliant Hermione.

"I asked, what if I wanted it to be your business?" He turned her around so she was once again facing him. He stood merely inches from her body; so close that she could practically feel him.

"I don't understand, Ron. Stop teasing me and let me go to bed." She sounded hurt even to her own ears. She wanted to hope, but was so afraid that she might cry.

Instead of responding, Ron gently took hold of her upper arms and slowly leaned down. He brushed his lips across hers. Once, twice, three times before lingering there. She could feel his tongue gently probing her mouth, until she responded to him. She felt dizzy and light-headed at the kiss and realized that it was because she'd forgotten to breath. Thank Merlin, he's holding me up; otherwise I'd be on the floor right now. Come to think of it, that's not bad idea...

When he pulled back, stopping the kiss, Hermione leaned forward trying to kiss him again. She could hear the deep rumble of his laughter. He rested his forehead against hers and whispered, "Hermione, were you jealous that I went out with Padma today?"

She still couldn't find her voice, but responded by licking her lips and slowly nodding her head. She had been more jealous than ever before. Even more than during fourth year and he'd fawned over Fleur all year. She understood why he was so angry with her letters from Viktor.

"I guess her idea worked then," he whispered, not moving his head.

"Whose idea?" Hermione was very confused, but she was beginning to come down from the high of kissing him. Did someone set me up for this?

"It was Ginny's idea to go out with Padma. She asked me last week after Advanced Defence. Ginny was coming out of dungeons from Potions and said that I should go. When I asked why, she said that it would make you jealous. Don't be angry. At first I wasn't going to do it, but then you got another letter from Vicky and I just walked over to the Ravenclaw table and accepted. I'm sorry if I hurt you."

In the middle of his little speech, Ron had pulled back his head and was now looking into her eyes, trying to gauge her reaction to his confession.

"His name is Viktor," she responded without thinking. She'd gotten so used to correcting him that she did so without thinking about it. "But Padma was only trying to get information from you about the Quidditch team?"

Ron nodded, but didn't say anything. He was more than a little annoyed that she'd corrected him about Krum's name again.

"Then why did you snog her in front of those fourth years? They came up here and were giggling about the two of you going at each other by the lake." She was obviously very upset about this, especially after having spent all evening thinking about it.

"Hermione, no one saw her snog me. It happened at the end of the date outside the castle, by Herbology green houses. It lasted for about fifteen seconds before I managed to shove her off me. You know, for a small thing she's awfully strong, but no fourth years were around. Wait, are you sure they weren't talking about Andrew Kirke, the fifth year Prefect? I saw him with a Hufflepuff girl looking like McGonagall was going to have to break them up with a hosepipe or something."

He was angry that she thought he would do something like that especially since they'd just kissed. But on the other hand, he was almost excited by her reaction. If she was jealous of Padma then maybe she cared about him the way he cared about her.

"But you still went out with her," she said, the hurt she'd been feeling for days resonating in her tone.

"Yeah," Ron said in a defeated tone. He pushed his hand through his hair, "But only to make you jealous. I had to see if you cared at all about me. I mean, you say nothing is going on between you and Krum, but you still receive owls from him every week with letters longer than some of the books in the library. Hell, Hermione, I'm in love with you and I can't tell how you feel about me. So yes, I thought I could force you to let something on by trying to make you jealous." Her eyes grew wide at his confession.

"Say that again," Hermione begged him.

"Say what again? I'm not up for making a fool out of myself." Ron's face resembled something of a caged manticore. He looked dangerous and strangely exciting.

"Ron, I can't tell you how I feel without knowing that this isn't a dream. I need to make sure I heard you right before I tell you." She was pleading, and she knew it. What the hell? Ginny said that I need to take the risk. She would be proud of me for talking to him about this.

Ron took a deep breath. He reached out and took her face in his hands, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Hermione, I love you. I don't know when I started or when I realized it, but I've known forever that you and I are meant to be together." He held her face in his hands, his eyes searching hers for a reaction, probing their depths for the truth about her feelings.

He didn't know how she felt until he saw the edges of her lips curl up into a small smile. That small smile gave him hope for them. "I love you, Ron. I think it started back in first year with that stupid troll, but I've wanted to tell you since second year. I-" Ron didn't allow her to finish. His lips descended on hers with much more force than before. Their tongues met and Hermione found herself crushed up against his chest. He loves me!!! He loves me, he loves me!!! I love him!!! Oh! Good Godric, we're in love!!! For some reason she remembered a silly Muggle musical called "The Sound of Music." She felt like that girl, Liesl, who yelled "Wheeeeeee" when kissing the boy she loved.

They stayed up late, talking about all sorts of silly things after Ron snuck down to the kitchens to nick her some food. They ate in front of the dwindling fire and fell asleep together until Ginny crept downstairs before first light and found them asleep in each other's arms.