 Chapter 23
Ron and Harry walked to the Common Room in silence, Candi hovering between them.
"Grackles." Harry said grimly. The Fat Lady swung open, and the three of them entered. Harry put her on the couch and sat in one of the chairs, facing the fire. Ron sat down next to him tentatively.
"Sorry about 'Mione, mate."
"Doesn't matter. I don't think it was meant to be anyway. Ron, I think you should go to her." Harry said, looking into the flames. They made strange shadows on the walls, like dancing spirits.
"What, me? She doesn't want to see me. Besides, I don't know....where....she...STOP IT!" Harry had pulled out the Marauders Map.
"No excuse mate. Now...she's in the Astronomy Tower. Get up there, and good luck." Harry put it away and grinned at Ron's look.
"I hate you Harry."
"You'll thank me someday mate." Harry replied evenly, and Ron climbed out of the Common Room. Next to him, Candi was stirring. The curse was lifting!
"Ohhhh....what....ermione.....HARRY!" She sat straight up, almost falling off the couch.
"Shh! Candi, I'm here!" Harry grabbed her hand.
"Harry! I'm so sorry! I tried to stay out of her way, but she...and it...you're holding my hand." She looked at her hand, then at Harry.
"I know. I like it, do you?"
"You won't like it when Hermione comes in and attacks me." Candi tried pulling her hand out, but Harry held firm. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because...I broke up with Hermione, and I'm in love with you." Harry said, not looking away from her eyes.
"Why did you break up with her?" Candi whispered.
"Because I'll not stand aside while she hurts the people I love. She was out of line, and I don't want to deal with her when she's like that again."
"I understand." Candi gripped his hand tighter. "And I love you too."
They leaned foward for their first kiss. Candi gripped the back of Harry's head lightly and played with the dark hair. Harry's hands gripped her shoulders. They broke apart, and hugged.
*****
Before Ron opened the door, he had to get a grip on himself.
"C'mon Ron...you can do this...she's a good friend." He opened the door.
Hermione was sitting on the window, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"W-what d-do you want?" She sniffled. Ron came over and sat next to her.
"I came to see if you were alright."
"I'm not alright, as you can see, and you can tell Harry that." She turned away from him.
"I don't want to talk to Harry, I want to talk to you." Ron said softly, and put his arm around her. She stiffened.
"Don't."
"Why not? I want to." Ron said, and held her firmly. Hermione relented.
"Ron?"
"Hm?"
"I'm sorry I was such a bad girlfriend."
"It was me. I didn't trust you enough. Forgive me?"
"Of course." Hermione turned to face him and kissed him softly.
Almost over!
Katie
__________________  And someday, when the night is over and the dawn arrives, we'll reach up to the sky withour eyes turned toward our Lord, and all will become good and whole |