Stuck between a rock and a hard place
Hermione corners him after dinner, and Ron tries his best to stop the kicked puppy look on his face from peeking through.
“Why are you sulking?” She demands, impatiently tapping her feet against the floor. Ron opens his mouth to deny the accusation, but she cuts him off. “And don’t even try to lie to me.”
Ron shuts his mouth with a snap. They both look at each for a moment, seconds ticking by before Hermione lets out a groan.
“Don’t just stay quiet, Ronald!”
“It’s nothing,” the redhead admits, avoiding her eyes. “I’m just upset that Diggory didn't win, I guess. I was really rooting for him.”
Hermione stares at him, pursuing her lips as she considers his words. Ron doesn’t think she believes him. He can feel the sweat gathering near his nape as he waits for her reaction, guilty conscience threatening to swallow him whole.
“I think you’re lying,” she finally declares, pushing her hair out of her face and he bites the inside of his cheek to stifle the disappointed sigh. “And I want to know exactly why you’re hiding the truth.”
Ron tries very hard not to smash his head into the wall behind him.
“Bloody hell ‘Mione,” he cries out, exasperation dripping from his tone. “Why would I lie to you about this? You’re my best friend-,” she colors slightly at this, “-and if something were wrong wouldn’t I want your help considering you’re the brightest witch of your age?”
The brunette takes a step back, twisting her hands. When she looks at him again, Ron knows he’s off the hook. “I’m just worried for you. Especially since you seem to attract trouble. I mean, just last year you were-“
“Yeah, I know,” he cuts her off, silently cursing Harry out for making him into a liar. “I still wake up in a cold sweat sometimes.”
Hermione frowns at his lame attempt at a joke and Ron coughs, forcing out a smile. “It’s nothing,” he reassures her again, nudging her shoulder. “Besides, if anything comes up, you’re going to be the first person I’ll come to.”
“Who else would you go to?” the brunette asks jokingly, shaking her head. “It’s not like you can ask the twins for help.”
Ron shudders. “Don’t even joke about that. They’d probably be too busy laughing at my suffering to even bother being helpful.”
Ron slows down until he’s walking side by side with the bushy haired witch. They fall into a comfortable pace, footsteps echoing as they climb up the stairs.
“Well…” Hermione trails off, thoughtful. Ron gives her a look, raising an eyebrow when she giggles. “Maybe they’d be more willing to help if you agree to become their test subject.”
“Are you serious?” He cries out, gaping at her in surprise. “‘Mione, are you making a joke at my expense? You ?”
She walks faster, ears glowing red. “They have been looking for helpers. Not that I approve of what they’re doing to the students. Just last week they got caught trying to prank Malfoy by turning his hair bright orange.”
Ron snorts, reminiscing about the image of Malfoy with bright neon hair and Hermione shoots him a look.
“And besides,” she turns serious, looking him straight in the eye. “You haven’t told me why you were the person Potter missed most during the second task.”
Ron foot catches on a loose piece of tile and he stumbles, the question catching him off guard.
“I…” he falters, words tapering off as he awkwardly fumbles with his tie. He tries to regain his composure, uncertainty coloring his tone. “Maybe they couldn’t find anyone he missed so they chose the one he hated most or something.”
The hesitation lingers in the air and he prays that Hermione doesn’t comment on it.
She sighs, pushing her hair out of her face. “If you don’t want to talk about it, then that’s fine. It’s not like I’m going to force you. Besides, maybe…maybe he felt guilty.”
Ron levels her a look, knowing exactly what she’s talking about. ”It’s too bloody late for that, isn’t it?”
“It’s not like you guys have ever had a proper conversation after that incident on the train.”
The redhead tries his best not to tell her about the fact that they did, in fact, have a proper conversation a few months ago.
”Weren’t you the one who told me not to get involved with him?” The redhead argues, throwing up his hands in the air in frustration. “Besides, I don’t want anything to do with Potter .”
“Well, I’m just sayin-”
“Weasley,” Potter interrupts her with a sly smirk, bringing them to a halt. He’s leaning against the entrance to the Gryffindor common room, blocking their way of entry. “What’s this about not wanting anything to do with me? You haven’t forgotten our…” he trails off thoughtfully, glancing at Hermione. “Our conversation , have you?”
Ron tries his best not to look at Hermione’s betrayed face.